Liverpool seem set to miss out on Xabi Alonso as their replacement for Jurgen Klopp, with the former Reds midfielder favouring another season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso was believed to be high up on the list of targets for Liverpool, but the six-time European champions will now be forced to look elsewhere.

As per a report by The Times, Alonso isn't expected to feature on the list of prospective managerial candidates, with the 42-year-old likely to stick around at Leverkusen.

The German outfit are on course to lift the Bundesliga title - the first ever in their history - and are still fighting strong in both the Europa League and DFB Pokal.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes earns high praise from chairman Bill Foley	Xabi Alonso details why he snubbed Liverpool to stay at Bayer Leverkusen	Liverpool told two reasons to snub Ruben Amorim and appoint Ange Postecoglou

Leverkusen's form had led to suggestions Alonso could be handed the reins at Liverpool following Klopp's imminent departure in the summer, but that is no longer likely to be the case.

Instead, it's claimed that the new CEO of Football at FSG, Michael Edwards, will have to turn to alternative options, with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim mooted as a possible candidate.

Amorim, who has been in charge of the Portuguese side since 2020, was understood to have been a potential target for Chelsea last year, before the west Londoners hired Mauricio Pochettino.

Fast forward 12 months and another route to the Premier League appears to have opened up for him, with Liverpool now said to be keen on appointing the 39-year-old coach.

Another name in the mix to take over from Klopp is Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is also said to be revered by the Liverpool hierarchy.

The Italian has worked wonders in a short space of time at the Amex Stadium, having built on the foundations put in place by Graham Potter by taking Brighton to the FA Cup semi-finals last season, alongside qualifying for the Europa League as well.

Things haven't been as smooth for the Seagulls this time around, with Brighton currently sitting outside the European positions in the Premier League table.

But, De Zerbi has proven himself as an astute coach and is likely to have had his chances of being appointed by Liverpool - should he wish to leave Brighton - strengthened by the Alonso development.

For now though, attention for Liverpool is focused on giving Klopp the perfect farewell by securing a second-ever Premier League title.

Their quest to finish top of the table this term will continue on Sunday afternoon when De Zerbi's Brighton make the journey to Anfield.

After that, Sheffield United are the visitors in mid-week, before a mammoth clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford - a ground Liverpool lost on just two weeks ago.


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