Clue on Arne Slot's Liverpool future drops as Xabi Alonso speculation grows

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesArne SlotArne Slot's long-term future at Liverpool remains uncertain — especially with Xabi Alonso now available — but the Dutchman is still working closely with the club to identify summer transfer targetsArne Slot's Liverpool future is in doubt(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool is said to be working closely with Arne Slot to pinpoint summer transfer targets, despite mounting uncertainty over the Dutch head coach's long-term prospects at the club.Slot experienced a fairytale first season at Anfield, steering the Reds to the Premier League title at the first time of asking. This season, though, has proved far more difficult, with Liverpool now battling simply to secure Champions League qualification after dropping out of the title race.Nevertheless, the Daily Mail reports that Slot's position is not presently under threat, with the club understood to be "shortening long lists of summer transfer targets" and "sounding out" representatives, work that is being undertaken in "consultation" with Slot.READ MORE: Why Xabi Alonso won't join Liverpool immediately if Arne Slot is firedREAD MORE: Steven Gerrard fears top Mohamed Salah transfer replacement not available to LiverpoolThat being said, situations can change rapidly, and it is highlighted that his position would face serious jeopardy if Liverpool fails to qualify for the Champions League.Questions have already been posed throughout the campaign, and Slot is acutely aware that failing to qualify for the competition could prove damaging.Slot was asked whether that matter might shape the board's decision, and he responded: "That is a difficult question for me to answer because I don't decide on my future.Xabi Alonso is currently a free agent(Image: Getty Images)"The only thing I do know is that it happened before and recently, and it didn't affect the future of that manager.

But that doesn't guarantee anything, of course. In general, managers, especially at this club — maybe somewhere else — it is not only about results."Mainly, but not only.

At some clubs they also look at the progress the players make, the progress the team makes, the circumstances are sometimes taken into account."That is not at all clubs, but I think I am working at a club that does look at those things, as it has shown in the past when the club did not qualify for the Champions League."Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso is a name that has regularly emerged amid the mounting pressure on Slot.The Spaniard has been without a club since departing Real Madrid in January, where he spent eight months in charge.A return to Anfield has been mooted, though this time it would see Alonso taking the reins from the dugout.The Mail reports there is an increasing belief within the industry that Alonso is "attainable" this summer, but clubs risk being left behind if they don't act swiftly.Even so, Slot is being supported "for now at least," though the club's leadership will be acutely aware that Alonso is likely to be snapped up in the coming months.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Arne SlotLiverpool FCXabi Alonso