Liverpool cool Roberto De Zerbi interest and face competition from Barcelona for Ruben Amorim – Paper Round

Roberto De Zerbi is not a leading candidate to become the next Liverpool manager, the Telegraph reports. The Premier League leaders are looking for a successor to Jurgen Klopp, and their search was impacted by the news Xabi Alonso will remain Bayer Leverkusen boss next season.

That led to reports Liverpool were eyeing either Sporting’s Rubem Amorim or Brighton’s De Zerbi, but that may no longer be the case.

“Last Friday Xabi Alonso, who had long been a front-runner for Liverpool, confirmed Telegraph Sport’s report that he is not available this summer and will remain at Bayer Leverkusen in a move that also disappointed Bayern Munich.

“The confirmation came as no surprise to Liverpool, who had been carrying out their due diligence, and they are pressing ahead in considering alternative candidates. One of those was De Zerbi, who also figures prominently on Bayern’s list to replace Thomas Tuchel, and another is Sporting’s Ruben Amorim.”

Liverpool have competition in the form of Barcelona for Amorim, the Independent reports. After Alonso pledged his future to Leverkusen, both Bayern Munich and Liverpool have taken their searches elsewhere.

That has seen Amorim emerge as a leading contender to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but with Xavi leaving Barcelona at the end of the season – the Sporting boss is a wanted man.

“Yet, Sporting’s high release clause, understood to be around €13m (£11.1m), was one of a few reasons nothing had yet been confirmed.

“That has now drastically changed, with clubs that had been prioritising Alonso now looking at Amorim. Although the Portuguese played down interest in him in the last week, he has become the top target for a number of European clubs.”

Manchester United players were grilled in one-on-one meetings with Sir Dave Brailsford this week, the Telegraph reports. Brailsford is tasked with rejuvenating United as Ineos’ director of sport.

He met the majority of United’s first-team squad recently, where he spoke of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos master plan and asked players for their own thoughts – although not regarding head coach Erik ten Hag’s own future.

“The one-on-one talks, which have also taken place with staff members, are not linked to the future of manager Erik ten Hag and are said to have impressed players and left them feeling optimistic over the future with Ineos now in charge of football operations.

“Brailsford has become a key figure at United in his position as director of Ineos Sport and is said to be among the first to arrive and the last to leave the club on a daily basis since Ratcliffe’s investment for a 27.7 per cent share.

“Players have been personally briefed on short-term and long-term plans for the club and how Ineos intends to restore a culture of winning and excellence at Old Trafford. Those who have held talks with Brailsford have been given the opportunity to add their own thoughts and ideas, and ask questions.”

Nevertheless, Wilcox is expected to join, so too Dan Ashworth as director of football, while those currently at the club have scouted a couple of options beyond Branthwaite to ensure they are well prepared for the 2024-25 season.

“United are also expected to be in the market for centre-forward, central midfielder and right-back this summer. The budget will once again be limited by FFP restrictions but they hope to raise up to £100m from player sales.”