Fabrizio Romano reports on "stories of an agreement being close" as Liverpool set for agent meeting today

Liverpool are no longer chasing Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp's successor with Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim now the favourite to take over in the summer.

Klopp is set to vacate his post at the end of the season and although it seemed like Alonso might be his replacement, the former Red recently revealed he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen.

In late March, he told reporters: "It's been a season with a lot of speculation regarding my future. We've had many games, we've been busy and focused. I used the international break to reflect better and take a decision.

"Last week I had a meeting (with club officials) and informed them of the decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen... I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach."

Now, it seems as though Ruben Amorim could become the new coach with a report from CM Journal claiming that his agent will have a meeting with Liverpool today.

What has Fabrizio Romano reported about Ruben Amorim to Liverpool?

While a meeting will take place today, Fabrizio Romano has made it very clear in his Daily Briefing that Liverpool have been in contact with the Portuguese coach but that patience is still needed.

This is in spite of a claim from Florian Plettenberg that a "verbal agreement in principle" has been reached with Amorim.

Romano however, is reporting that Liverpool are "not yet at the final stages of the story.

He said: "I wanted to clarify the situation on Ruben Amorim again, as I’ve had many Liverpool fans asking me about the stories of an agreement being close for him to replace Jurgen Klopp on a three-year deal.

"My understanding remains that we are not yet at the final stages of the story. It’s true that contacts are really concrete - talks have taken place and will keep taking place, but we have to be patient and wait for the moment Liverpool make their final choice.

"I respect other journalists, but this remains my information for the moment so I think we still have to wait a bit longer for a conclusion to this saga.

"In my opinion, Amorim would be a great option for Liverpool as he’s a smart, excellent modern coach. I’ve been really impressed by what he’s done at Sporting and I’m sure he could be a success at Anfield, if he ends up getting the job."

What to make of all this

It does seem very likely that Amorim will become the new coach of Liverpool FC but just like Alonso seemed as though he was set for a move to Anfield, things can change quickly.

Especially in the modern game, targets can switch at a moment's notice but the 39-year-old is an exciting coach and his tactics may well be able to translate quite seamlessly to the current Liverpool squad.

While I'm not too worried, there is increasing pressure to get a new manager confirmed as the season draws closer and closer to its conclusion.

That said, I love that FSG isn't rushing what is such a massive decision.