Championship team told how much it'll cost to hire ex-Liverpool coach as manager

Swansea City's hunt for a new head coach has taken a further turn following fresh claims from Portugal suggesting the club must stump up €1 million ($1.2 million) to secure frontrunner Vitor Matos.

The 37-year-old is best known in British soccer for working under former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at Anfield before spending time on Pep Lijnders' coaching staff at Red Bull Salzburg.

The Swans dedicated considerable time last week trying to bring in Hammarby manager Kim Hellberg, who even made the journey to London for discussions with Swansea and other potential suitors. However, earlier this week saw Middlesbrough steal a march on the Swans in that particular pursuit, forcing Swansea to change direction and explore alternative candidates.

Focus has now turned decisively toward Matos, presently managing Portuguese outfit CS Maritimo.

It's believed that Swansea maintain considerable interest in the 37-year-old, who is understood to be receptive to returning to the United Kingdom and apparently minded to accept Swansea's proposal.

Football Insider has suggested Swansea are now in "advanced talks" with the ex-Liverpool coach. While the specifics of the Swans' offer remain undisclosed, Portuguese media have characterised it as "irresistible."

Maritimo are resolved to retain its manager, though the Portuguese team may be powerless to prevent his departure.

Matos possesses a €1M release clause, and Record suggests that Swansea is willing to trigger it.

This stance is echoed in Wednesday's edition of A Bola, which reports the Welsh team has already conducted talks with Matos but has been informed Maritimo will refuse to enter negotiations under any circumstances.

The Madeira-based team will only permit his departure if the clause is fully paid.

A Bola further reports that Swansea is prepared to meet the €1M fee and maintain there's a "very strong" chance of the transfer taking place, although the deal hasn't been finalized yet.

Portuguese publication O Jogo also asserts that Maritimo has no plans to negotiate a compromise and will only release Matos if Swansea fulfil the buyout clause.

Maritimo currently holds the third position in the Portuguese second division.

Swansea, currently 18th in the Championship, is set for an away match against Bristol City this weekend.

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