The managing director of Bayer Leverkusen has dealt Liverpool a blow by insisting that Xabi Alonso won't replace Jurgen Klopp as manager.
Last month Klopp made the shock announcement that he will step down as Liverpool boss at the end of the season, nine years after he joined the club.
Since then several high profile coach's have been touted as his replacement, but the clear favourite is former Liverpool midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.
The Spaniard has done an impressive job with the German club since taking charge in 2022.
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On Saturday his side demolished perpetual Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich 3-0, a result that put Leverkusen five points clear at the top of the table.
Should Alonso lead Leverkusen to a first ever top flight title, then it feels inevitable he will leave for a traditional European giant within the next few years.
However, Leverkusen's managing director Simon Rofles has dealt a blow to any Liverpool fans hoping to see Alonso sat in the Anfield dugout next season.
In an interview with SPORT1, Rofles laid down the reasons why he believes Alonso will be staying put in the summer.
"Yes I'm sure," he said when asked if he believes the club can retain Alonso.
"One is contract constellations. The other thing is how comfortable he [Alonso] feels, the family, himself and that he knows what he has in the club.
"He also has a very good team, we will have a very good perspective next year and there is no change in the team.
"We will definitely have a top team available next year. These are all points that, in addition to contracts, coaches like Xabi but also players who arouse interest from other clubs often stay with us."
Coaches including Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim have also been linked with the Premier League giants.
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen, Premier League, Bundesliga
Alex Brotherton