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Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Xabi Alonso as they look to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.
Alonso is the frontrunner to replace Klopp at Liverpool following the German boss' decision to step down as manager.
The 42-year-old, who enjoyed five seasons at Anfield during his playing days, has worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen this season.
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His side sit at the top of the Bundesliga, five points clear of defending champions Bayern Munich following their big 3-0 victory over Thomas Tuchel's charges last weekend.
Leverkusen have won an impressive 17 of their 21 league games this season, playing sensational football at times.
But Liverpool are not the only team eyeing a move for Alonso, who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea.
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Not to mention Bayern who are increasingly likely to part ways with Tuchel in the summer and want to get the jump on the Premier League club in the battle to secure Alonso's managerial services, according to The Times.
Alonso, who played for Bayern between 2014 and 2017, is the preferred permanent candidate, with Hansi Flick also linked with the gig.
The World Cup winner appears to have the choice between his old sides if he decides to leave Leverkusen in the summer.
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Pressure is mounting on Tuchel following his team's back-to-back defeats to Leverkusen in the league and Lazio in the Champions League.
They suffered a 1-0 defeat in Rome on Wednesday as they face Champions League elimination.
Speaking after the game, Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said: "Of course, Tuchel is struggling with the situation, which is very difficult for all of us. We are all in the same boat. It is not easy, but we will get out of this together. That is our goal."
Topics: Xabi Alonso, Liverpool, Football, Bayern Munich, Thomas Tuchel
Nasir Jabbar