Liverpool have approached the agent of Xabi Alonso to gauge the Bayer Leverkusen manager’s interest in taking charge at Anfield.
Alonso is the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the summer after the German confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
The former has impressed with his work at Bayer Leverkusen in his first senior role in management, leading the club to the top of the Bundesliga table.
Leverkusen, who have never before been crowned champions in Germany, are eight points clear of Bayern Munich in the title race and closing in on a maiden Bundesliga crown.
The treble-chasing Germans are unbeaten in all competitions this season and will face Fortuna Düsseldorf in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals and Qarabağ FK in the Europa League’s Round of 16.
Alonso spent five seasons at Liverpool as a player and is the leading candidate to replace Klopp, having established a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest coaches across the last 18 months.
Sport Bild are reporting that Liverpool have made contact with Alonso’s agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, and the Spaniard has informed Leverkusen of the approach from Anfield.
Leverkusen remain unnerved at the interest from Liverpool and remain optimistic of keeping Alonso at the BayArena.
Bayern Munich are also targeting Alonso, having seen the 42-year-old mastermind the success of their domestic rivals. Thomas Tuchel will leave his position as head coach of the Bavarians at the end of the current campaign.
