The Sporting head coach, Ruben Amorim, has admitted his future may lie elsewhere as Liverpool continue their search for Jürgen Klopp’s successor.

Liverpool have identified the 39-year-old as one of their candidates to take over at Anfield and could bring in the Portuguese for around £12m, if compensation can be agreed with Sporting.

Amorim has become one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches and has been linked with Chelsea and Barcelona after he ended a 19-year-wait for the title in his first full season with Sporting, who are again leading the way this season.

Amorim, who speaks English, was again asked about his future on Friday but did little to calm the speculation. “I cannot make any guarantees [that I will stay at Sporting next season],” Amorim said.

“Sporting are dealing with their future and I can’t decide now because I gave my word, I can’t go back on that, so if I don’t win trophies, I’m going to leave Sporting.

“That’s been very clear since the start. I felt it was important to get that across to the players because we have to win. We want to win trophies and we’ll decide on those things later.

“I’m not worried about that right now. The future has been planned for quite a long time. We’re all together as a club and looking into all situations and what we want for next season, so that’s the main reason why I can’t guarantee anything.

“I said that to my players and as the leader I can’t go back on my word, as hard as that may be. We have to win trophies, we’re on track to do that and that’s why it’s so important to win our next game.”

Liverpool had hoped to tempt Xabi Alonso back to Anfield but the Spaniard has pledged his immediate future to Bayer Leverkusen. They have also cooled their interest in the Brighton head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, as Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes attempts the onerous task of replacing Klopp.