Liverpool handed Xabi Alonso manager blow as two alternatives emerge

The end of Jurgen Klopp's tenure as Liverpool manager is closing in and speculation surrounding his successor continues to gather momentum.

The focus remains on the task at hand for the German as they compete in the Premier League and the FA Cup but rumours are swirling over who will be in the home dugout at Anfield next season. Xabi Alonso has been the resounding favourite to return to Merseyside since Klopp made the shock announcement at the end of January.

As it stands, Alonso's Leverkusen sit 10 points clear of Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich ahead of the resumption of their league campaign following the international break. Liverpool, meanwhile, sit second on goal-difference behind league leaders Arsenal.

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In Munich, Thomas Tuchel will also step down from his role at the Allianz Arena fuelling speculation over who will succeed the former Chelsea boss. Alonso is widely considered as a candidate to replace the Champions League-winner as he looks set to end the Bavarians' dominance at the top of Germany's first division.

Here is the round-up of all the latest Liverpool managerial speculation.

Alonso unlikely to become new Liverpool manager

Xabi Alonso is unlikely to become Liverpool’s next manager with the Reds not expecting the Spaniard to be available this summer.

The ECHO understands that the Reds are of the belief that Alonso is planning on staying at Leverkusen for at least another season, leaving the club to move onto other candidates.

Alonso emerged as the runaway favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the summer after the German made public his shock