Barcelona has Rúben Amorim ‘concerns’ amid Liverpool interest as Man City ace ‘considers transfer’

Liverpool saw its two title rivals pick up three points on Wednesday night as the Reds dropped to second in the Premier League. Arsenal is back in top spot after its 2-0 win over Luton while Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City swept aside Aston Villa.

It means the pressure is back on Liverpool as it entertains Sheffield United at Anfield on Thursday. The Blades remain rock-bottom in the table and are 10 points from safety ahead of the match.

Liverpool knows it cannot afford to drop points and Jürgen Klopp will be demanding a win ahead of a return to Old Trafford on Sunday, to take on Manchester United.

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The search for Klopp’s successor remains ongoing after Xabi Alonso pulled out of the running last week. And Liverpool has reportedly been handed a boost in its hopes of landing new favorite Rúben Amorim from Sporting CP.

Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the Premier League and across the continent to see what’s going on at Liverpool’s rivals including a potential call over Amorim’s future and a key Manchester City player considering his future.

Barcelona has Amorim ‘concern’

Liverpool could be in pole position in its reported pursuit of Sporting CP boss Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese has emerged as the favorite to take over from Jürgen Klopp at Anfield after Xabi Alonso pulled out of the running.

It was reported by The Independent this week that Amorim was also Barcelona’s top target to replace Xavi, who will also be stepping down at the end of the campaign. The La Liga giants were said to be pushing to try and secure his appointment amid the interest from Liverpool.

But according to Sport, Barca is ready to look elsewhere over concerns about Amorim’s experience at the top level. It is also claimed that his $22m (£17m/€20m) release clause is deemed too high, with Barca believing he is now on his way to Liverpool.

Liverpool.com says: The Reds looked set for a battle with Barcelona for Amorim but could now get a free run. That said, those concerns that Barca has could also be on Liverpool’s mind. He has never managed outside of Portugal and the release clause is considerably high. It remains to be seen if he is the top target for FSG at the end of the season.

Silva ‘considers Man City exit’

Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva is reportedly considering leaving the club this summer. Silva, 29, joined City in 2017 from Monaco and has already won five Premier League titles.

He has been linked with moves away in the past, particularly to Barcelona, but stayed put with his current contract running until the summer of 2026. Paris Saint-Germain has also been credited with an interest in the Portugal international.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca could reignite its interest in Silva this summer, although a lot of that will depend on the club’s manager. It is claimed that Xavi is a big admirer of the 29-year-old and pushed to sign him a year ago.

Silva’s contract with City is said to contain a release clause of around $63m (£50m/€58m). Barca is believed to be considering Joshua Kimmich and Martín Zubimendi, who have both been linked with Liverpool, as alternatives.

Liverpool.com says: Silva has been a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team and would take some replacing. The Portuguese is enjoying another fine campaign at the Etihad having been heavily linked with a transfer last summer. He may look for a fresh challenge this summer and City’s rivals would benefit if he was to leave the Premier League.