In the course of the last year, Xabi Alonso has quickly become one of the hottest prospects in football management.
As his Bayer Leverkusen side continue to rise up the Bundesliga table - where they sit eight points clear at the top - clubs across Europe have continued to take note.
Most notably, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are two of the powerhouses keeping a close eye on their former star, as they both prepare for managerial changes.
Jurgen Klopp is leaving Merseyside out of choice in the summer, while Thomas Tuchel has mutually agreed to leave after their dismal run of form.
So here, Mail Sport takes a look at the two options that will likely be presented to the Spaniard in the summer.
There's no doubt that if Xabi Alonso opted to return to Anfield, he would be welcomed with open arms by Reds supporters.
After five successful years in Merseyside as a player, the Spaniard is fondly remembered at Liverpool for his formidable partnership with Steven Gerrard in the heart of their midfield.
However, things are different now and the Spaniard has the prospect of returning in a managerial position - given Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave in the summer.
The German boss sent shockwaves through the sport last month, after announcing that he was 'running out of energy' to do the job in Merseyside.
Naturally, fans started looking for potential replacements and Leverkusen boss Alonso shot to the top of the list, given the German side's impressive form.
A move to Anfield is definitely possible and one that may intrigue the Spaniard, given the possibility of bringing in a new era at the club.
With Klopp leaving, the Merseyside giants are expected to experience a period of transition - with some of their star players also potentially leaving.
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