Liverpool's search for Jürgen Klopp's successor reportedly took a twist on Thursday after it emerged that Xabi Alonso looks set to stay with Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso has been the favorite to take over from Klopp ever since he announced his plans to leave Liverpool back in January.

Alonso's side is currently top of the Bundesliga table and is yet to taste defeat in any competition this season.



Leverkusen's performances also alerted Bayern Munich to the Spaniard ahead of Thomas Tuchel's exit this summer.

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But Liverpool are now of the belief that Alonso plans to stay with Leverkusen for at least another year, and will guide his side into the Champions League, reports the Liverpool ECHO.

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The developments came hours after Bayern's honorary president suggested it would be 'impossible' to land Alonso this summer.

He told BR24: "I personally, we all, extremely appreciate Xabi Alonso, but you mustn’t forget that he is now training at a club that is currently in the process of becoming German champions.

"If he had had more success for two or three years, it would probably be easier to get him out of there.

Among them are Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting CP's Rúben Amorim.

De Zerbi will get an immediate chance to impress Liverpool chiefs this weekend when his Brighton side travel to Anfield.

While De Zerbi and Amorim remain the leading candidates, a number of names are also in the mix including Graham Potter and Unai Emery.

Here is the latest betting odds on the market from Bet365 (subject to change) as Liverpool prepares to step up its search to identify Klopp's replacement.

Rúben Amorim - 10/11, Xabi Alonso - 12/5, Roberto De Zerbi - 11/4, Julian Nagelsmann - 8/1, Pep Lijnders - 10/1, Gary O'Neil - 16/1, Thomas Frank - 18/1, Andoni Iraola 18/1, Thomas Tuchel - 20/1, Unai Emery - 20/1, Julen Lopetegui - 20/1, Marco Silva - 20/1, Simone Inzaghi - 20/1, Xavi - 25/1, Zinedine Zidane - 28/1.

Liverpool.com says: It does appear that Liverpool had already accepted it would be difficult to get Alonso this summer with alternative options sought.