Ruben Amorim is now the main candidate for Liverpool's new manager and his release clause at Sporting is set at £12.8m this summer.
The 39-year-old is highly regarded for his work at Sporting since joining from Braga in 2020.
Amorim has won the Primeira Liga title once and is competing with Benfica and Porto to do so again this season, with Sporting in a strong position to do so.
With Xabi Alonso announcing that he intends to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season, Amorim is now the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp as Reds boss when the German leaves at the end of the season.
The Telegraph report that interested parties will be able to sign Amorim this summer for €15m (£12.8m), while the release clause then drops to €10m (£8.5m) in 2025.
The fee is certainly not one that would put Liverpool off if they decide that the former Portugal international is the right man to take over from Klopp at Anfield.
Amorim is also thought to be a candidate to take over at Bayern Munich from Thomas Tuchel, just as Alonso was before he committed his immediate future to Leverkusen.
Alonso appeared to have the choice of Bayern Munich or Liverpool if he wanted either job this summer, but instead has chosen to stay put.
The Spaniard told a press conference on Friday: ‘I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will stay and continue at the club. After lots of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. This is the place to be for me.
‘My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club, help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here. I’m still a young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.
‘I’m not going to comment about Liverpool or Bayern. These are big clubs and I’ve strong links with them but I’m in the place where I want to be. It’s not time to decide my future now – I want to develop at Bayer Leverkusen.’
.
.