Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is leaning towards joining Liverpool if he decides to leave his current position this summer, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Belgian reporter claims that the Reds have already held “several” discussions with Alonso’s agent, and it appears the 42-year-old is keener on moving back to Anfield rather than joining Bayern Munich:

🇪🇸 Xabi Alonso more and more close to Liverpool FC…. The Spanish coach has made clear his mind after several talks between his entourage & #LFC board.
Even if #FCBayern’s pushing, it seems less likely that the trainer of #Bayer04 will continue one more year in #Bundesliga !… pic.twitter.com/nWbP8hcKJy

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) February 26, 2024

Whether Tavolieri’s information turns out to be accurate, we shall have to wait and see. Reports in Germany insist that Bayern are still pressing to secure Alonso’s signature.

However, any deal will be complicated by the fact that Leverkusen are demanding upwards of €25m (£21.4m) in compensation.

Why are Liverpool interested in appointing Alonso?

The former Reds midfielder has only been at Leverkusen for 16 months but he has transformed the German club into title contenders during that time.

His team are currently unbeaten this season, having won 19 and drawn 4 of their 23 league matches. They are eight points ahead of second-place Bayern.

Are Liverpool considering alternative options?

With Bayern seemingly fighting the Reds hard for Alonso, you would have to think that the Merseyside club’s owners FSG are keeping an eye on other managers as well.

Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is someone with a growing reputation and many believe that, if the club do make their decision based on data as they have done in the past, then the Portuguese coach will be high on the shortlist.

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is a front-runner.