Xabi Alonso;s reasons for favouring a move to Bayern Munich over one to Liverpool have been revealed, with Jurgen Klopp playing a leading role.
Managerial change is on the cards at the Allianz Arena and Anfield, with Bayern and Liverpool preparing to part ways with their current coaches.
Klopp has announced that he will be walking away from his contract on Merseyside in the summer, while Thomas Tuchel is to sever ties with Bundesliga giants in Bavaria.
Alonso, who played for both clubs and has led unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga table this season, has emerged as a frontrunner to fill either post.
The former Spain international has a big decision on his hands, with Sky Deutschland reporting that the 42-year-old favours an extended stay in Germany.
It is claimed that Bayern are “cautiously optimistic” when it comes to acquiring Alonso.
That is because the “Klopp legacy” at Liverpool is considered to be too difficult to follow – with the German having delivered Premier League and Champions League glory to heavyweights in England.
Read more: Leao Sends Defiant Message Amid PSG And Chelsea Transfer
However, discussions between Bayern and Alonso’s representatives are said to have taken place, with it still possible that Tuchel will be relieved of his duties at the Allianz Arena before the end of the 2023-24 campaign amid suggestions that a Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Lazio will lead to an early sack call being made.