Why Liverpool move for Rúben Amorim 'broke down' with Arne Slot appointment imminent

Liverpool is set to confirm the appointment of Arne Slot as its new head coach once the Premier League season comes to an end. But it appears the Dutchman was not the first choice to replace Jürgen Klopp.

Feyenoord confirmed on Friday that Slot would be leaving this summer and the Dutchman then suggested he will be heading to Anfield. It is the worst kept secret in football, with the two clubs having already agreed a compensation package.

Slot's appointment will bring a four-month search for Klopp's successor to an end, with a host of managers having been linked with the Liverpool job.

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Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso was the overwhelming early favorite but he opted to remain with Bayer Leverkusen. That decision appears to have been justified with his side on the brink of going an entire season unbeaten, in all competitions.

Sporting CP boss Rúben Amorim then emerged as a leading contender after scoring highly with Liverpool's data department as it drew up a shortlist of candidates. It looked as though the Portuguese would be appointed but the potential move broke down.

According to SportBILD journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool had negotiated a $13m (£10m/€12m) compensation fee with Sporting to appoint Amorim. There had been uncertainty over his release clause, with some clubs reportedly having to pay more than others.

Falk tells CaughtOffside that contracts were ready to be signed for Amorim's appointment before a U-turn at the last minute from Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who suddenly doubled the fee to $25m (£20m/€23m).

It is claimed that decision led Liverpool to end its interest, much to the disappointment of Amorim. He later flew to England for talks with West Ham but admitted that decision was a mistake, and he is expected to remain with Sporting this summer.

Liverpool.com says: It looked for a long time that Amorim would take over from Klopp but Slot is now set to be Liverpool's next head coach. He faces the enviable task of replacing one of the Premier League's greatest ever managers. Amorim may eventually get a crack at English football but reports suggest Sporting will continue to look to keep him.