Liverpool face Ruben Amorim, Roberto Zerbi choice after Xabi Alonso ruled out as Jurgen Klopp replacement – Paper Round

The Telegraph reports that Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has a £12.8 million release clause which could be activated at the end of the season.

Liverpool are one of the favourites to land the manager as they search for a replacement for the outgoing Jurgen Klopp.

“Telegraph Sport understands the release clause in Amorim’s contract, that can be triggered at the end of this season, is €15 million.

“The clause, agreed with Sporting Lisbon, drops to €10m (£8.5m) in the summer of 2025 – and its existence means it will be easier for Liverpool to agree a deal with the Portuguese club should they eventually decide to make a move for the highly rated 39-year-old.

“It had previously been claimed in Portugal that the figure to release Amorim, who signed a new four-year deal in 2022, was significantly higher – around twice as much.”

The Mirror believes that Roberto De Zerbi would cost Liverpool the same figure as Amorim – £12.8m – to replace Klopp next season.

Xabi Alonso’s decision to remain with Bayer Leverkusen has slightly narrowed the potential candidates this summer

“The Reds have learned that most talked-about target Xabi Alonso is now leaning towards staying at Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season, ruling him out of the race to succeed Jurgen Klopp. His Leverkusen side are 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table with just eight games to go, having gone unbeaten for the entire season so far in all competitions.

“Given that he could potentially have a treble on his CV come June, Alonso is arguably Europe’s most sought-after manager, especially aged 42. But like fellow admirers Bayern Munich, Liverpool are now being forced to look elsewhere for their next boss and De Zerbi has emerged as a leading candidate for both clubs.

“Brighton aren’t willing to let him go on the cheap, however, with the Premier League side likely to demand his full €15m (£12.8m) release clause should the Italian want to leave, just like the £21.5m they received in Graham Potter’s exit to Chelsea. De Zerbi, 44, is also being eyed by Barcelona, who are limited when it comes to how much they can spend but remain interested in a move.”

Chelsea have been known to sell on their young players to balance the books, but the Evening Standard thinks that Alfie Gilchrist, Jimi Tauriainen and Mason Burstow will not be sold next summer.

Of Tauriainen, the story comments: “The 20-year-old midfielder made his debut against Leeds in the FA Cup.

“An injury-hit spell since joining Chelsea has slowed his progress, but he finally made his Finland Under-21s debut this month.

“He will count as a homegrown player by the summer and will target a loan move to continue his development.”

And for Burstow: “Just one goal in 20 Championship appearances has seen Burstow face criticism and a difficult learning curve at the Stadium of Light.

“But he remains highly regarded at Chelsea. With just one year left on his contract, his option is likely to be used and another loan sought in the summer.”

Paolo Maldini and Hugo Viana are both in the running to replace Dan Ashworth as sporting director at Newcastle.

The Sun suggests that with Newcastle looking to agree a deal with Manchester United to let Ashworth move on, a replacement is being targeted.

“Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave as The Magpies and Manchester United continue to negotiate a complicated deal that could see him moving to Old Trafford this summer.

“The 53-year-old’s contract runs out in 2026 and United are trying to thrash out a compensation deal with the Toon who have demanded double the £10 million offered.”