Richard Keys claims Xabi Alonso has decided to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Reports in Germany have suggested that Bayer Leverkusen boss would prefer to stay in the Bundesliga but Liverpool have had little indication to lower their expectations.
Instead, they will do battle with Bayern as both appear to have made Alonso their No 1 candidate.
New sporting director Richard Hughes is a massive fan of the Italian and tried to bring him to Bournemouth when Scott Parker left the club two years ago, only for an ownership lag to thwart this charge.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is wanted by Liverpool to succeed Jurgen Klopp
Klopp has confirmed he will leave Anfield this summer after nearly nine years at the club
Richard Keys claims Alonso has chosen to join Liverpool once Klopp departs
Liverpool want a young manager who can grow at the club, and also someone who plays attacking football and has a strong personality.
BeIN Sports presenter Keys wrote in his blog: ‘As I always say when I share news like this — these big deals can always go wrong. There’s a lot to go wrong when they’re blue riband, whether it’s a player or coach/manager involved, but my information is that Alonso has decided on Liverpool.
‘If I’m a Liverpool fan – that excites me.’
Alonso is wanted by the Reds to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the summer and is also courted by Bayern Munich.
Bayern are 10 points behind Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side, who have not lost in the league this season.
The Spaniard played for both Liverpool and Bayern and the temptation to return is obvious, though he could even opt to lead Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Yet Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who has made 25 league appearances for Alonso’s men this term, is braced for Alonso’s departure.
‘That’s our wish and dream, for him to stay, but no-one would be angry or argue if he wins the Bundesliga and decides to go another route,’ said Hradecky.
‘We see on a daily basis that he loves to be in Leverkusen. He enjoys Dusseldorf where he lives. From another point of view: How can you make it better than this season?
The Spaniard played for both Liverpool and Bayern Munich during his career
New sporting director Richard Hughes (centre) must find Klopp’s replacement this summer
‘There’s a lot to ponder but he’s enough of a gentleman to make the right decision and only he knows what’s best for him.
‘But the atmosphere he’s brought in Leverkusen, we didn’t have it before. I think it comes from the way he has experienced football.
‘In Madrid, Liverpool – that’s the level we strive for every day. It was here when he came but it’s up here right now. The hype is definitely justified.
‘It’s the best Leverkusen team I’ve experienced. We have 18, 19, 20 players – and it doesn’t matter who plays. There are a lot of different tactics. There’s a lot to take in from the opponents’ perspective. It’s hellishly difficult to play against us.’
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