Sporting exodus if boss Amorim goes to Anfield

SPORTING LISBON are braced for a player exodus if coach Ruben Amorim quits for Liverpool.

Amorim (left), 39, is the frontrunner to replace current boss Jurgen Klopp this summer after former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso confirmed that he is staying with Bayer Leverkusen. Sporting won 1-0 away at Famalicao this week to move seven points clear at the top of the Portuguese league with five games left to play.

Amorim’s side, who are also in next month’s Portugal cup final, are on course for a historic double.

Their stunning season has been spearheaded by a trio of in-form stars who are all in demand by

Premier League clubs. Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 25, who has 37 goals this term for club and country, is wanted by Arsenal.

While defenders Ousmane Diomande, 20, and Goncalo Inacio, 22, are both highly sought-after too.

Ivory Coast star Diomande has been on Newcastle’s wish-list since last year.

And Portugal centre-back Inacio has been a long-term target for Liverpool and could potentially join Amorim at Anfield this summer if he takes the reins there.

The star trio all have buy-out clauses, with Gyokeres available for £86million, Diomande £68m and Inacio £51m.

However, suitors are expected to test the water with lower initial bids if Amorim goes.