Bayern Munich 'optimistic' of beating Liverpool to Xabi Alonso

Bayern Munich believe they are Xabi Alonso's preferred destination should he leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, according to reports from Germany.

Alonso is top of both Bayern and Liverpool's shortlists for new managers ahead of the 2024/25 season following a stellar two-year spell in charge of Leverkusen.

Liverpool have been searching for a successor for Jurgen Klopp since he informed the club of his decision to leave back in November, but they could be beaten to Alonso by another of his former sides.

report Bayern sources are 'cautiously optimistic' that if Alonso is to leave Leverkusen in the near future, it will be to join them and not Liverpool. There is an added weight of expectation on whoever replaces Klopp at Anfield due to his heavy legacy, and Alonso believes he could 'lose more than win' despite being a fan-favourite during his playing days.

Bayern have now opened discussions with Alonso, who could cost the reigning German champions €25m to release from his current contract as his €15m release clause does not become active until the summer of 2025.

Thomas Tuchel has already announced he will stand down from his role at Bayern at the end of the season, though reported on Monday he could be sacked immediately if they are eliminated from the Champions League at the last 16 stage this week. They welcome Lazio to Bavaria on Tuesday looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

Bayern trail Leverkusen in the Bundesliga standings by ten points with only ten matches remaining. Leverkusen have never won the Bundesliga before in their 119-year history, though have finished runners-up on five occasions.

Liverpool, meanwhile, remain one point clear at the top of the Premier League following a 99th-minute win at