Bad news for Liverpool? Xabi Alonso leaning towards Bayern Munich move as coveted Bayer Leverkusen coach prepares to make decision on future

The Bavarian giants are set to compete with Liverpool in the race to appoint Alonso as their next manager following the Bundesliga champions' decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. Alonso, whose successful transformation of Bayer Leverkusen has drawn attention, is also a target for Liverpool, where a managerial vacancy will arise this summer as Jurgen Klopp steps down. Although there is no release clause in Alonso's contract, he will be allowed to leave if he chooses to pursue a new challenge.

According to Sky Sports,Alonso is more inclined towards staying in Germany than moving to the Premier League and replacing Klopp. Bayern have already reached out to inquire about Alonso's availability for the summer and although the manager remains focused on his current project at Leverkusen, where he aims to lead the club to a historic Bundesliga title triumph, it is alleged that he is mulling over a move to Munich from Leverkusen rather than joining the Reds.

Sky Sports journalist, Florian Plettenberg, said: "It is not 100 per cent clear that Alonso will say yes to FC Bayern. Bayern have been informed about the difficulty of this transfer. But according to my information, at this stage, Alonso is more willing to join Bayern Munich, instead of joining Liverpool. Bayern have already enquired about Alonso and Liverpool have also enquired about the manager in the last few days and weeks."

Although rumours swirl about Klopp potentially filling the Bayern vacancy, his agent, Marc Kosicke, has dismissed speculations, affirming Klopp's plan to take a year-long sabbatical.

As the managerial carousel spins, the competition between Bayern Munich and Liverpool for Alonso's services adds an intriguing dimension to the upcoming managerial appointments in European football.