Liverpool make approach for Xabi Alonso as they look to replace Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool have made an approach for Xabi Alonso as they plan for life without legendary manager Jürgen Klopp, who recently announced that he will leave the club at the end of the current campaign. As reported by Foot Mercato, the Premier League club have contacted the Bayer Leverkusen boss over a move to Anfield, where Alonso played for the Reds from 2004 to 2009, winning the Champions League in 2005.

Bayer Leverkusen unbeaten under Alonso this season

Alonso has become the early favourite to become the next Liverpool boss after a superb start to life with Bayer Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten under the Spaniard in 2023-24. The German club currently sit top of the Bundesliga - two points ahead of Bayern Munich in second - and are in DFB Pokal semi-finals after beating VfB Stuttgart 3-2 on Tuesday, as well as the Europa League. Die Schwarzroten are only the second team in German football history to go 30 games unbeaten in all competitions and are two games away from levelling Bayern’s all-time record.

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Alonso top of Liverpool’s shortlist

Alonso has previously been linked with the Real Madrid job, although Carlo Ancelotti recently renewed his deal at the Bernabéu until 2026, and the managerial vacancy at Anfield could be something he is willing to take on, especially if he guides Leverkusen to the German title this season. The Spanish tactician, 42, is top of Liverpool’s managerial shortlist, with the Merseyside outfit acting swiftly to find Klopp’s successor.