Liverpool are very keen on appointing club legend Xabi Alonso (Photo: Getty)
Liverpool may be one step closer to appointing Xabi Alonso as manager after Bayern Munich reportedly ‘made contact’ with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
The Reds are still on the hunt for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, with club legend Alonso seemingly their top choice following his highly-impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen.
But they face stiff competition from another of the Spaniard’s former clubs in the form of Bayern who are looking for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, while there is still the distinct possibility that he’ll stay at Leverkusen.
However, it seems that Liverpool may have taken the lead in the race to hire Alonso, with the Bundesliga giants now seemingly exploring other options.
It was recently reported that they were seriously considering former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, and now Bild claim they have ‘made contact’ with De Zerbi to gauge his interest in taking over the reins at the Allianz Arena.
The Italian is said to be ‘fascinated and flattered’ by the approach and has already held talks with the German club, but is not yet ready to make a decision on his future.
Like Alonso, De Zerbi is one of the most sought after managers in the world right now off the back of an excellent two years with Brighton.
Roberto De Zerbi is ‘fascinated and flattered’ by Bayern Munich’s approach (Photo: Getty)
Liverpool are also said to be interested in his services, as are Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona.
The 44-year-old has been coy on his future, but insisted he’s happy at the Amex and has a contract there until 2026.
Should any club wish to appoint him, the Seagulls will demand £12million in compensation.
Next Liverpool manager odds:
Xabi Alonso – 4/6
Ruben Amorim – 4/1
Roberto De Zerbi – 6/1
Pep Lijinders – 8/1
Julian Nagelsman – 10/1
Thomas Tuchel – 12/1
Steven Gerrard – 20/1
Odds courtesy of Coral
Should they fail with their pursuit of Alonso or De Zerbi, Liverpool are also looking at Sporting manager Ruben Amorim who will undoubtedly succeed in the Premier League according to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
‘If he really takes the next step – I hope he stays at Sporting – but if he takes the next step, I think all the qualities are there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football,’ the Portugal star recently said.
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‘Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there and he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.
‘But it will depend on the clubs, the directors, whether they want to pay the Sporting’s release clause or not.’
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