Xabi Alonso’s preference would be to join Bayern Munich ahead of Liverpool this summer, according to reports in Germany.
The 42-year-old is on the shortlist for both Bayern, who confirmed on Wednesday that Thomas Tuchel will stand down at the end of the season, and Liverpool, who are seeking a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
It’s understood that Bayern Munich’s hierarchy have already made Alonso their top target to succeed Tuchel following his impressive stint in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
And Sky Germany now report that Alonso is leaning towards a move to Bayern, although the German club acknowledge it will be difficult to lure the former Liverpool midfielder away from Leverkusen.
‘Xabi Alonso is very focused on winning the possible treble with Bayer Leverkusen,’ said Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
‘He’s not motivated to speak about Bayern Munich, he’s not motivated to speak about Bayern Munich in the background, he’s really, really focused on Leverkusen.
‘It’s not 100 per cent clear that Xabi Alonso will say ‘yes’ to Bayern and all the Bayern bosses are informed about the difficulty of this possible transfer of Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich.
‘But my understanding, my information is at this stage, Xabi Alonso is more willing to join Bayern Munich instead of joining Liverpool.
‘Bayern Munich have already enquired about Xabi Alonso but we have also heard that Liverpool have also enquired about Xabi Alonso in the last couple of days and weeks.’
