Liverpool 'make official approach for Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso'

Liverpool have allegedly made their first official approach in a bid to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

With Jurgen Klopp having announced that he plans to depart Liverpool at the end of the season, the Merseyside giants have begun a search to secure the ideal successor.

While a wide array of names have been linked with a switch to Anfield, Alonso is seemingly the standout candidate courtesy of his ongoing achievements at Bayer Leverkusen.

The German outfit have remarkably come through 33 matches in all competitions during 2023-24 without suffering a defeat, most notably in the Bundesliga where they hold an eight-point lead over Bayern Munich.

Alonso has consistently batted away questions regarding his future, preferring to remain fully focused on completing a record-breaking season at Leverkusen in style.

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Nevertheless, at a time when his reputation is being enhanced by the week, the questions will continue when Liverpool have rivals for his signature.

Bayern will also require a manager at the end of the season with it being revealed that Thomas Tuchel will depart his role in the dugout, and it effectively leaves Alonso with a choice of two former clubs.

According to BILD, Liverpool have decided to take a proactive approach to trying to appoint the 42-year-old as their next manager.

The report claims that the Premier League leaders have made contact with Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez in a bid to gauge the level of interest that he has in a return to England.

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That said, it is suggested that Alonso is currently more likely to remain with Leverkusen than make an immediate move to the Premier League on the back of one potentially-successful season.

No decisions are expected to be made in the short term with Alonso wanting to ensure that there are no distractions as he and Leverkusen eye a possible treble.

As well as holding a commanding league in the Bundesliga, Leverkusen have been handed a favourable last-16 tie with Qarabag FK in the Europa League and they face Dusseldorf in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals.

Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the likes of Ruben Amorim, Julian Nagelsmann and Hansi Flick.