Are Bayern giving up on Xabi Alonso? Liverpool given huge boost in race for in-demand coach amid surprising 'probably impossible' declaration from Uli Hoeness

Alonso has emerged as the preferred candidate to take over the reins at Bayern following Thomas Tuchel's imminent departure. However, Bayern's honorary president, Hoeness, has cast doubt on the possibility of securing his services, stating that a deal is "probably impossible" this summer.

Asked by BR24Sportif Bayern can land Alonso this summer,Hoeness said: "Very difficult, not to say probably impossible. Imagine that, the way I got to know him and appreciate him, he would be more inclined to carry on because he doesn't want to leave [Leverkusen] behind now."

Alonso's remarkable transformation of Bayer Leverkusen from a relegation-threatened side to title contenders underscores his coaching prowess. Currently, Leverkusen sit comfortably atop the Bundesliga table, 10 points ahead of Bayern with eight games remaining. Additionally, the team have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal, further solidifying Alonso's credentials as a top-tier coach.

“He is now training at a club that is currently in the process of becoming German champions. He has a lot to thank this club for, and so do [Leverkusen],” said Hoeness. "If he had had two or three years more success, it would probably be easier to get him out there. We would like to sign him. If that doesn't work, it will be the task of the sporting management to look for and find alternatives."

With Alonso's future coaching destination still uncertain, the race to secure his signature is likely to intensify in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, although Bayern's interest in Alonso remains strong, doubts over the feasibility of the transfer could pave the way for Liverpool to make a compelling offer to secure his services.