Bayern Munich ‘ahead of Liverpool’ in the race to hire Xabi Alonso as their next manager, with Bayer Leverkusen boss targeted to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Bundesliga giants

Bayern Munich have given Liverpool an edge in the race to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

The Spaniard has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena and Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with both his former clubs vying for his services.

According to The TelegraphBayern are confident this is Alonso’s preferred destination should he leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

The report adds that preliminary discussions between Alonso and Bayern’s representatives have already taken place.

The 42-year-old, who is under contract with Leverkusen until June 2026, has repeatedly dismissed speculation about his future to focus on the current season.

However, his departure is expected to cost Germany’s most decorated club between £13 million and £21 million due to a fixed clause in his contract with Leverkusen.

The final cost will depend on how many trophies they win this season, with a Bundesliga treble, German Cup and UEFA Europa League among the possibilities.

Leverkusen remain unbeaten in all competitions in what has been an extraordinary season for them.

Those Schwarzroten – The Black and Reds – are 10 points clear of Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga and on course for a first league title in their 120-year history.

They are also through to the semi-finals of the German Cup and will face Qarabag in the round of 16 of the Europa League.

Alonso has been hailed as Klopp’s ideal replacement since the German announced in January that he would step down at the end of the season.

The former Spain international won the Champions League and FA Cup in five seasons at Anfield, before winning three consecutive Bundesliga titles in three seasons with Bayern after leaving Real Madrid.

Earlier this week, Sky Sport Deutschland reports this Alonso preferred to take over from Tuchel as he believes following Klopp’s successful spell at Anfield is too big a risk.

Klopp has won the Champions League, the Premier League, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup during his nine years as manager at Liverpool and is adored by the red half of Merseyside.

Liverpool want Alonso to take over from Jürgen Klopp at the end of the season

Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season and wants a return to England

That would certainly be a tougher legacy to follow than Tuchel’s unraveling spell at Bayern.

The Bavarians saved their season by progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Lazio on Tuesday evening, but the former Chelsea boss will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.

Klopp has previously praised Alonso, describing him as the standout manager of his generation.

“Xabi is doing a fantastic job,” he said.

‘The next generation (of managers) is already here. I would say Xabi is the standout in that department.

“He was a world-class player, as he was a coach, and the team he built is exceptional. It’s not just the points that count, but also the way they play.’

As Mail Sport reported earlier this week, Liverpool are also considering Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as a replacement for Klopp.

Liverpool underwent a data-driven recruitment campaign after Klopp informed owners Fenway Sports Group of his departure in November. The talented head of research Will Spearman was crucial in that process and it is clear that Amorim scored highly.

The Reds want an emerging manager, with both Alonso and Amorim ticking that box.

Roberto De Zerbi was highly touted as a candidate in football circles, but the rumors about the Brighton boss have disappeared. Julian Nagelsmann is a potential name, but it also has disadvantages.