XABI ALONSO has reportedly opened talks with Bayern Munich as he leans towards snubbing Liverpool.
The Spanish boss is on the list of both clubs after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga.
Alonso’s men are ten points clear of Bayern and remain unbeaten this season.
However, Leverkusen’s rivals are looking to destabilise the title race by opening talks with Alonso.
Bayern have already confirmed they will part ways with Thomas Tuchel this summer.
And Sky Germany claims they are now in discussions for Alonso to become their new boss.
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The former midfielder won three titles playing for Bayern between 2014 and 2017.
Liverpool were hoping Alonso’s connections to Anfield would swing things their way.
But he apparently believes the void that will be left by Jurgen Klopp’s impending exit is too big to fill.
Alonso fears there will be too much risk attached to the Liverpool hot seat once their German supremo departs after a decade of decadence.
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And Bayern, who have won the previous 11 Bundesliga titles, are a safer option at this moment in time.
Alonso has already given “positive” indications that he is willing to join Leverkusen’s rivals.
But Bayern will have to cough up a tasty fee for the tactician.
He is tied down to the BayArena until 2026.
And due to a release clause in his deal which doesn’t kick in until 2025, Alonso could cost anywhere between £13million and £21m in compensation.
It means Liverpool could have to look elsewhere for a new manager this summer.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is on their shortlist after leading his side to the top of the Portuguese league table.
And the Reds are also keeping a close eye on Brighton maverick Roberto De Zerbi.
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The Seagulls sit ninth in the table with ten wins from 27 games.
But it’s the Italian’s attacking style of football and willingness to develop youngsters that makes him an attractive option.
Xabi Alonso is perfect man for Liverpool
By Dan King
XABI ALONSO ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to ten points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues.
For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
