Ruben Amorim offered a cryptic response when asked about Liverpool’s increasing interest in his services.

The Sporting CP boss has been on Liverpool’s radar since Jurgen Klopp announced his departure earlier this year but reports of their interest in signing Amorim grew on Friday following Xabi Alonso’s public decision to continue at Bayer Leverkusen.

With Amorim now seen as a leading contender to replace Klopp, his press conference after Friday’s 2-1 victory over Estrela saw the 39-year-old asked for his thoughts on a switch to Anfield.

“I’m focused on Sporting,” he stressed. “I’m very proud to be Sporting’s coach.

“We’re all focused on winning titles, but in the end, we’ll soon see what happens [with Liverpool’s interest]. I have a contract with Sporting, I’m very happy here. The focus is now on beating Benfica in the cup.”

Liverpool are looking at a number of alternative targets and have explored moves for the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Finding a new manager is obviously a huge task but Liverpool know that there next hire will also have a direct impact on the future of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is approaching the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield.

While Alexander-Arnold remains happy at Liverpool, 90min understands he does not want to commit to an extension without knowing the identity of the next manager, given it could impact his role in the team.

Liverpool are relaxed about the situation and confident they will get a deal over the line eventually, but no formal talks will take place with Alexander-Arnold, who is being monitored by Real Madrid, until the new boss is found.