Much-coveted Xabi Alonso has strong list of suitors

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness admits it will not be easy to prise Xabi Alonso away from Bayer Leverkusen due to competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

The reigning German champions look set to lose their Bundesliga title to Alonso's Leverkusen side as they trail their rivals by 10 points.

That situation prompted the early announcement of Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel’s departure at the end of the season but Jurgen Klopp revealing in January he was leaving Anfield in the summer has hastened proceedings as a host of big-name clubs battle to find new managers this summer.

Alonso is rated as one of Europe’s top young coaches, with Leverkusen still unbeaten this season and heading towards their first Bundesliga title. The 42-year-old has now been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Klopp at Liverpool.

However, with two of the ex-Spain midfielder’s other former clubs also seemingly in competition for his services, the race is more complicated, although Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real currently appears secure with the team eight points clear in La Liga with the Italian signing a contract extension to 2026 in December.

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"He’s proven that he can be a coach for the big time. There are hardly any suitable coaches who are currently free," Hoeness said of Alonso at the Munich Trade Fair.

"Rather there are coaches who are under contract somewhere and possibly have great success.

"And that makes it much more difficult because clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid,