Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has reached a verbal agreement in principle with Liverpool, according to Sky Germany.
The 39-year-old is said to have discussed a three-year contract to become Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Sky Germany report that a deal is still to be finalised between the two clubs.
Sources on Merseyside say the reports are “wholly inaccurate”, adding that the club are undertaking a thorough process around a number of candidates. They stress that a preferred candidate has not been identified.
Amorim, who was also on Bayern Munich’s managerial shortlist ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s summer departure, has an exit clause for this summer in his contract with Sporting.
Klopp announced earlier this year that he will stand down in the summer after nearly nine years at Anfield, where he has won the Champions League, Club World Cup, Premier League, Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.
Liverpool have undergone significant changes in personnel behind the scenes since Klopp’s announcement, with former sporting director Michael Edwards returning as the chief executive of football.
Richard Hughes will join from Bournemouth as sporting director, while Benfica’s Pedro Marques has also been linked with a senior backroom role at Anfield.
Amorim now appears to be the front-runner after four strong years in charge of Sporting.
After short spells in charge of Casa Pia and Braga, the former Portugal international was appointed by Sporting and guided them to their first league title in 19 years in his first full season in charge.
Amorim has also won two League Cups with Sporting and is set to claim his second league title this season, with his side four points clear of Benfica, with a game in hand.
