Barcelona racing to beat Liverpool & Bayern Munich to Ruben Amorim - report
- Liverpool, Bayern Munich & Barcelona searching for new managers
- Popular target Xabi Alonso has ruled out leaving Bayer Leverkusen
- Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim now seen as a top target for many
By Tom Gott
Barcelona are racing to strike a deal to hire Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim amid fears Liverpool could ramp up their interest in the 39-year-old, according to a report.
Current boss Xavi will step down from his post at the end of the season, and despite the club's attempts to keep him around, the Camp Nou legend recently insisted he has not changed his mind.
As a result, Barcelona are on the hunt for a new head coach and, according to The Independent, they have their sights set on Amorim.
The report claims Barcelona had long been seen as the favourites to land Amorim as Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who also need new managers ahead of next season to replace Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel respectively, had their sights set on Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen.
However, with Alonso recently confirming his decision to stay this summer, the race for Amorim has been blown wide open and Barcelona are now said to be racing to finalise a deal before either Liverpool or Bayern try bring him in.
It is worth noting that, late last month, Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste openly admitted he will keep trying to convince Xavi to stay, suggesting there is currently no succession plan in Catalonia.
"I'm going to try to convince Xavi but it's a personal decision for him," Yuste said. "There are still league games left, the Champions League... we have to let him enjoy it. I hope and wish that he continues because we are talking about a long-term project with him, not a season or two."
Amorim's high release clause, believed to be close to £13m, is likely to be a major stumbling block for Barcelona.
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