Bayern Munich ‘ahead of Liverpool’ in the race to hire Xabi Alonso as their next manager, with Bayer Leverkusen boss targeted to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Bundesliga giants

Bayern Munich have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new coach.

The Spaniard has become the leading candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena and Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with his two former clubs vying for his services.

According The TelegraphBayern hopes to be Alonso’s preferred destination if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

The report adds that preliminary talks have already taken place between Alonso’s representatives and Bayern.

The 42-year-old, who is under contract with Leverkusen until June 2026, has repeatedly rejected speculation over his future to focus on the current campaign.

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However, his departure is expected to cost Germany’s most decorated club between £13 million and £21 million due to a fixed clause in his contract with Leverkusen.

The final cost will depend on how many trophies they win this season, with the possibility of a ‘triple’ of Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Europa League.

Leverkusen remain unbeaten in all competitions in what has been an extraordinary season for them.

The black burns The red and black are 10 points ahead of Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga and are on track to win their first league title in their 120-year history.

They are also qualified for the semi-finals of the German Cup and will face Qarabag in the round of 16 of the Europa League.

Alonso has been hailed as Klopp’s ideal replacement since the German announced in January that he would step down at the end of the season.

The former Spain international won the Champions League and FA Cup in five seasons at Anfield, before winning three Bundesliga titles in a row in three campaigns with Bayern after leaving Real Madrid.

Earlier this week, Sky Sport Deutschland reported Alonso was in favor of replacing Tuchel, considering following Klopp’s successful tenure at Anfield too high a risk.

Klopp has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup during his nine years in charge of Liverpool and is adored by the red half of Merseyside.

Liverpool want Alonso to relieve Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season

Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign and wants to return to England

That would undoubtedly be a more difficult legacy to follow than Tuchel’s collapse at Bayern.

The Bavarians saved their season by advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Lazio on Tuesday night, but the former Chelsea boss will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.

Klopp previously praised Alonso, describing him as the most outstanding coach of his generation.

“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” he said.

‘The next generation (of managers) is already there. I would say that Xabi stands out in that aspect.

“He was a world-class player, like a coach, and the team he has put together is exceptional. Not only the points count but also the way they play.”

As Mail Sport reported earlier this week, Liverpool are also considering Sporting manager Ruben Amorim as Klopp’s replacement.

Liverpool underwent a data-driven recruitment drive once Klopp informed owners Fenway Sports Group of his departure in November. Head of numbers research Will Spearman was crucial in that process and Amorim is understood to have scored highly.

The Reds want a promising manager, and both Alonso and Amorim tick that box.

Roberto De Zerbi was heavily discussed in football circles as a candidate, but the noise has died down over the Brighton boss. Julian Nagelsmann is a potential name, but he also has drawbacks.