Alonso will have to change long-term plan if he ignores Liverpool approach
Xabi Alonso has been touted as Liverpool's next manager for months - and the Reds have now made the first move for their former midfield maestro.
Jurgen Klopp announced last month that this season will be his final act at Anfield, some eight-and-a-half years after he first arrived on Merseyside. And while the German leaves big shoes to fill, Alonso has emerged as a natural successor.
The Spaniard, 42, has excelled in his first senior management role with Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga outfit are currently eight points clear of reigning champions Bayern Munich and are on course to land their first ever German title after going the entire season unbeaten in the league.
His exploits have not gone unnoticed, with German outlet Bild are now claiming that Liverpool have made an approach for Alonso. It's outlined that the Reds have made contact with his agent, Inaki Ibanez, in an attempt to bring him back to Anfield.
But while Alonso is the red-hot favourite to succeed Klopp, the same report outlines that Leverkusen are relaxed about the situation. They expected interest in Alonso given the fine job he has done at the club and there is hope internally that he will choose to stay.
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Intriguingly, another of Alonso's former clubs in Bayern Munich are also lurking in the background. Leverkusen's title rivals have already confirmed they will part company with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the campaign and Alonso is their No.1 target.
With Leverkusen looking a safe bet for Champions League football next term, there is a chance Alonso could decide to snub both clubs and stay put. However, a return to Liverpool has always been part of his long-term plan.
Join the debate! Is Alonso the right man to succeed Klopp? Let us know here.
Bayern Munich also want Alonso to replace Thomas Tuchel (Getty Images)BBC Sport outlined earlier this month that the intention was for Alonso to return to either Liverpool or Real Madrid should his spell at Leverkusen herald success. He spent five years with both Liverpool and Los Blancos respectively before seeing out the twilight years of his playing career in Munich.
The same report also confirmed that there is no buyout clause in Alonso's contract, which runs until 2026. It's understood Bayer Leverkusen have privately expressed they would not block Alonso from joining one of Europe's elite, meaning he will ultimately decide whether he stays or goes.
To date, he's been coy over his future plans. Addressing speculation earlier this month, he told repoters: "Maybe you have questions about my future. I have nothing new to say about that. I wanted to say that in advance. Right now, I'm the coach here, that's for sure. For the future I have nothing new to say, we'll see."
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