Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso to discuss the possibility of succeeding Jurgen Klopp as manager.
A fortnight ago, the Reds were rocked by the announcement that Klopp would be stepping down from his post at the end of the season after eight-and-a-half memorable years at Anfield.
Alonso has since emerged as the bookmakers' favourite to take the reins at Liverpool and return to the club where he spent five years as a player between 2004 and 2009.
The 42-year-old has elevated his profile on the managerial circuit during his 16-month spell in charge of Leverkusen, who have transformed from mid-table strugglers to title contenders in the Bundesliga during his tutelage.
Alonso has won 43 of his 67 games in charge of Leverkusen across all competitions and has successfully led the club on a remarkable 30-game unbeaten run this season - the second-longest run in German football history.
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The Spaniard responded to rumours of a possible return to Liverpool shortly after Klopp's announcement and insisted that he remains "really happy" at Leverkusen, where he is under contract until June 2026.
A recent report claimed that Liverpool have been planning to speak with Alonso to 'ascertain his interest' before contacting Leverkusen.
Now, Foot Mercato reports that the Merseysiders have made contact with Alonso, who is regarded as the club's primary target to replace Klopp.
Previous reports have suggested that Alonso has a clause in his Leverkusen contract allowing him to join any of his former clubs - Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich - at the end of 2023-24 season.
However, at the end of last year, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro denied the existence of such a clause in Alonso's deal, but admitted that the Bundesliga leaders 'would not force him to stay' if he wishes to seeks pastures new.
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Alonso is currently focused on his attempts to steer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and is preparing for Saturday's mouthwatering clash with reigning champions Bayern Munich, who sit two points further back in second place.
Leverkusen's manager is not the only name to have been linked with the soon-to-be vacant Liverpool job, as Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is also believed to be on the Reds' radar.
However, it is understood that no discussions have been held by Liverpool over recruiting the 39-year-old Portuguese, who would prefer to make a decision on his next career move at the end of the season.
Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, Germany's Julian Nagelsmann, Tottenham Hotspur's Ange Postecoglou, Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford's Thomas Frank have also been linked with a summer move to Liverpool.
Oliver Thomas
