It is only a matter of time until Liverpool managerial target Ruben Amorim is confirmed as Jurgen Klopp's replacement.

That is according to Fulham star Joao Palhinha, who played under Amorim for two years before moving to the Premier League in 2022.

Amorim is understood to be a key target to succeed Klopp at Anfield after Xabi Alonso decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another season.

Palhinha says Amorim has the "quality" to make the step up to the huge job on Merseyside and handle the "pressure".

"Ruben is a coach with a lot of quality, one of the best in Portugal. He has done an excellent job since Braga," he told O Jogo. "He has in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.

"The way he is growing, he won’t stay in Portugal much longer. It will not be for lack of opportunities that he will not leave Portugal.

"He dreams and aims to win another title with Sporting and then the future will be in his hands."

He added: "Yes, of course, although the pressure is different.

"When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have pressure from the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win.

"When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club and the whole world. The way it is developing, I think it will be a matter of time."