Barcelona identify Ruben Amorim as No.1 candidate to replace Xavi with Sporting CP boss also attracting interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich

The Spaniard announced he would be departing at the end of the season, leaving Barcelona to join the crowded market of clubs looking for a new manager. According to theIndependent, Barca have targeted Sporting boss Amorim ahead of other candidates. He has been earmarked by the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool but second to coveted Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who played as a midfielder for both clubs.

As the report notes, Barcelona's decision to prioritise Amorim could work in their favour. They would have an effective head start before Liverpool and Bayern, having put in more ground work ahead of whichever of those two clubs misses out on Alonso. Amorim is appreciated by Barcelona - as he is by most top-level European sides - due to his work with Sporting, most notably by winning their first league title in 19 years in 2021.

However, Xavi leaving may not necessarily equate to Amorim walking straight into the job in Catalonia. Former Bayern and Germany boss Hansi Flick has reportedly held "concrete talks" with the club over a potential switch, while fellow countryman Thomas Tuchel is also in the running. It is thought that Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi has slipped down the pecking order.

Bayern and Liverpool won't be Barca's only concerns going into what is set to be another managerial merry-go-round in the summer. Manchester United and Chelsea, whose respective managers are still at the club but under increasing pressure, are also thought to be heavily interested in the 39-year-old Portuguese coach.