Liverpool 'make first approach' for Xabi Alonso as release clause details emerge

Liverpool continue to be linked with several potential options who could be Jurgen Klopp's successor as the club's next manager.

Klopp announced last month that he would be stepping down from his role as manager at Anfield at the end of the season. The German will be joined by Pep Lijnders, Peter Krawietz and Vitor Matos from his backroom staff in leaving the club this summer.

As a result, Liverpool will be searching for a replacement over the coming months. The Reds will also be looking to appoint a new sporting director after Jorg Schmadtke's exit after the January transfer window.

Ever since Klopp first announced that he would be leaving Liverpool, rumours have been swirling as to who could be his successor as be the club's first managerial appointment since October 2015. The ECHO has taken a look at the latest rumours around Liverpool's search for their next manager.

FSG face difficult Michael Edwards task as Liverpool owners chase decision

Kop airs perfect new Liverpool chant as heart-wrenching £50m decision pays off

Xabi Alonso contact

Liverpool have reportedly made their first approach over the possibility of appointing Xabi Alonso as the club's next manager.

According to Sport Bild in Germany, the Reds have contacted Alonso's agent, Inaki Ibanez, in the hope of starting the process for the former midfielder to move to Merseyside this summer. However, the report states that Bayer Leverkusen are "confident" that Alonso will reject the possibility of leaving the Bay Arena to move to Anfield.

It has been claimed that Alonso is currently contracted to Leverkusen until 2026. As well as Liverpool, Bayern Munich have also been reported to have identified Alonso as their first-choice to replace Thomas Tuchel as manager