Chelsea set for another Brighton transfer tussle as Jurgen Klopp sparks merry-go-round | Football | Sport

Chelsea appear to have taken another page out of Brighton’s book as they have joined the Seagulls in the race to secure the signature of Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. Both clubs could be in the market for a manager in the summer for very different reasons, and a transfer tussle could be in the pipeline.

Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday, with Virgil van Dijk scoring the all-important goal in the 118th minute. Jurgen Klopp has been heavily praised following the victory, with his willingness to roll the dice and substitute on several academy products proving decisive.

The success takes the Reds one step closer to a historic quadruple, which would be the perfect note for Klopp to bow out on. The German boss announced in January that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season as he has ‘run out of energy’ in the position.

The higher powers at Anfield are already assessing their options to replace Klopp, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso their top target. Though the Reds are aware that it will be tricky to prise the Spaniard away from the Bundesliga outfit, with Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi shortlisted as an alternative option.

Barcelona, Manchester United and several Serie A sides have the Italian in their sights too, and the high level of interest has prompted Brighton to heavily assess who is available from their replacement candidates. According to Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol, the Seagulls have their sights set on Amorim and they would move for the 39-year-old if De Zerbi was to depart.

However, Chelsea are now also considering a move for the Sporting boss, reports the Daily Mail. Pochettino is said to be under immense pressure following the Carabao Cup final defeat, with there being ‘significant doubts’ over his position as manager.