Real Madrid are reportedly convinced that Xabi Alonso has turned down the opportunity to lead Liverpool and Bayern Munich in order to wait for the managerial position at the Bernabeu.
The 42-year-old is enjoying a marvellous 2023-24 campaign in Germany at the BayArena, with his Bayer Leverkusen side heading towards their first-ever Bundesliga crown.
Alonso's charges are sitting pretty at the top of Bundesliga standings, 16 points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich who have lost back-to-back matches since returning from the international break.
Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run this term to 28 matches in the league on Saturday, narrowly defeating Union Berlin in the German capital courtesy of a Florian Wirtz penalty.
As well as the Bundesliga, the German league leaders are also on course for success in the DFB Pokal and Europa League as the season approaches its business end.
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Real Madrid beat Liverpool and Bayern Munich to Alonso?
Following Alonso's impressive campaign at the BayArena so far, both Liverpool and Bayern Munich entered the race for the Spaniard's services ahead of the 2024-25 season.
However, the 41-year-old revealed last month that he would be staying at Leverkusen past the summer, rejecting the advances of the Reds and the Bavarian giants.
According to Relevo, Real Madrid believe that Alonso's decision to stay put at the Bundesliga leaders is due to his desire to manage at the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos are said to believe that the former Madrid player is waiting for Carlo Ancelotti to leave his post at the 14-time European champions.
It is understood that a large section of the Real Madrid squad have spoken about the possibility of Alonso taking the reins, including ex-teammates Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal.
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Liverpool turn attentions away from Alonso
After news broke that Alonso would be remaining at Leverkusen for another year, Liverpool quickly made Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim a frontrunner in the race to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
The Portuguese coach's comments recently have intensified speculation around his potential switch to the Premier League, with the 39-year-old failing to guarantee that he will be at Estadio Jose Alvalade next season.
The Reds are also sounding out a move for Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zebri, however it is understood that the Merseyside club have cooled their interest in the Italian.
Following wins for both Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, Klopp and Liverpool have the opportunity to return to the summit of the table with a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Carter White
