Xabi Alonso 'has already laid out dream management plan' in potential blow to Liverpool

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly already decided on his dream management plan, in what could be a blow to Liverpool.

Alonso is seen as the heavy favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp as Reds boss at the end of the season.

The Spaniard has led Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, and they were 11 points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich before Thomas Tuchel's side played their game in hand on Saturday.

Tuchel himself will be looking for a new role this summer, with Bayern announcing earlier this week that he would leave the club at the end of the season.

And in developments that will probably surprise no-one - Alonso is favourite for that job too.

The common denominator is that the former midfielder represented both clubs as a player, making it a difficult decision to choose between them if he leaves Leverkusen.

There is now a third club reportedly involved in the chase - Real Madrid.

According to reporter Christopher Michel, of German outlet Fussball News, Real will likely place Alonso at the top of their shortlist to replace Carlo Ancelotti if the Italian leaves his role at the end of his contract in 2026.

It is claimed that the Bernabeu is seen as Alonso's 'absolute dream destination' at present, and speculates that he may even stay at Leverkusen until that job becomes available.

But the report adds that Alonso could still decide to commit to either Liverpool or Bayern this summer, where he would be almost guaranteed regular Champions League football.

Publicly, however, the Spaniard has so far refused to comment on links with other clubs.

When asked about Tuchel's exit from Bayern before Leverkusen's 2-1 win over Mainz on Friday, Alonso replied: "Maybe you have questions about my future. I have nothing new to say about that.

"I wanted to say that in advance. Right now, I'm the coach here. That's for sure. For the future, I have nothing new to say. We'll see."

Amid all the speculation, one thing is for sure - Alonso is a wanted man.