Is Xabi Alonso Liverpool-bound? Bayer Leverkusen coach prefers Reds job as Bayern Munich want him to replace Thomas Tuchel

Bayern are said to be interested in appointing Alonso, who has guided Leverkusen to a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga after they won 3-0 when the two sides met last weekend. Bayern were also beaten 1-0 by Lazio in the Champions League last-16 first leg in midweek, ratcheting up the pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel. Footmercatoreports the German giants would love to snatch Alonso away from their title rivals. Of course, Alonso ended his career as a player with the Bavarian giants.

Liverpool, of course, will need to bring a new manager into the club this summer, as Jurgen Klopp is leaving, and Alonso appears to be the leading candidate. The report claims the Reds are ready to make an offer to their former midfielder, who played for the club between 2004 and 2009, and he is said to prefer that switch instead of a move within the Bundesliga.

Xabi Alonso won the Bundesliga three times with Bayern, and while he didn't win the league with Liverpool, he did lift the Champions League and the FA Cup. For Spain, he also won the World Cup and two European Championships.

Alonso will try to see through the Bundesliga title race; Leverkusen are five points clear of Bayern. They are next in action against Heidenheim on Saturday.