Bayer Leverkusen deny Liverpool or Real Madrid release clause in Xabi Alonso's contract - but admit manager could still be allowed to walk away

The former Spain international midfielder has been linked with each of his ex-clubs having guided unbeaten Leverkusen to the Bundesliga summit this season. It has been rumoured that there is a release clause in his contract to allow him to walk away from the Werkself in 2024 to take charge of one of those sides, but Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro claims that is not the case - although he stopped short of guaranteeing that Alonso would stay.

Alonso's men remain unbeaten in the league with 10 wins and one draw, although Bayern Munich - also undefeated - are close behind them having drawn a game more. Leverkusen's form also translates to the Europa League, where they top their group with four wins from four so far.

Asked about the existence of a release clause, Carro said, as quoted by Ben Jacobs: "No, but you don't need a clause. We have a very, very good relationship with Xabi and he knows we are a serious club. And at the end of the day, we're not going to force someone to stay if he doesn't want to stay. We want him to feel so happy and so good with us that he really only wants to stay and this is our objective..

"There is nothing on paper [allowing Xabi to leave for a former club]. But sometimes agreements that are not on paper are agreements as well. We know if he needs to do a move in the future we will be able to talk with each other. And I hope we will not need to do this because he will stay and be happy at Leverkusen."

It will be very interesting to see what the future holds for Alonso, who has been strongly linked with a return to Madrid. There is also speculation that Anfield or Munich may also beckon, although those outcomes seem less likely as it stands with Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel currently installed, respectively. For the time being, though, the Spaniard will be focussed on chasing down an unlikely Bundesliga title.