Xabi Alonso plots Liverpool raid! Bayer Leverkusen line up move to sign Joel Matip as Jonathan Tah edges closer to Bayern Munich switch

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is weighing up his options to replace Jonathan Tah should Bayern Munich come calling for the German defender this summer. Free agent Joel Matip is a top choice for the Bundesliga champions should they need to dip into the market, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Alonso turned down the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp left his role as head coach but the former Reds midfielder could still have the chance to work with one of the club's long-serving defenders. Matip may be 32, but he would still be a capable signing who can help Leverkusen on their quest to defend the title.

Matip was a great servant for the Premier League club but missed the entire second half of the season in 2023-24. In the nine top-flight clashes he did feature in, he was only on the losing side once as Liverpool came home in third.

Tah's summer involved helping Germany compete at Euro 2024 but he is due to return to Leverkusen soon for pre-season. Bayern have been splashing the cash with Vincent Kompany so far, but the champions are well placed to move for Matip if needed as they only need to negotiate with the player.