Four things that will 'definitely' happen if Xabi Alonso joins Liverpool instead of Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso is currently the favourite to take over as Liverpool manager from Jurgen Klopp this summer - but there is also reported interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen side are currently five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga following a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich last weekend.

The side plays an attractive style of football that makes full use of counter attacks and aggressive wing-backs, with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Alejandro Grimaldo and Victor Boniface playing leading roles.

Former Liverpool midfielder Alonso is therefore a leading candidate to make the move to Anfield, where he would be tasked with leading the post-Klopp era with a style of play that isn't too dissimilar.

But with Real and Bayern also keeping tabs, Liverpool may have a tough task in convincing the Spaniard to move back to England.

If they are successful, here are four things that could happen as part of Alonso's Reds revolution.

Key backroom staff changes

One of Alonso's first priorities will be to reshape Liverpool's backroom staff, with several of Klopp's key allies leaving the club with him.

Klopp's assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz will both be departing, while elite development coach Vitor Matos will also vacate his role at the end of the season.

Most of Alonso's current team were at Leverkusen before he arrived, although he did bring assistant manager Sebastian Parrilla with him, the pair having worked together at Real Sociedad B.

A lengthy European run

Alonso has already proven his prowess in European competition, guiding Leverkusen to the semi-final of last season's Europa League.

This season, they topped their Europa League group with a perfect record of six wins from six games - which will be music to the ears of Reds fans. Could he do the same with Liverpool next term?

Piero Hincapie boost

Getty

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Ecuador centre-back Piero Hincapie, who plays under Alonso at Leverkusen.

The 22-year-old is rated as one of football's hottest defensive prospects, and can also play at left-back if required.

A left-footed centre-back, Hincapie could either be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk or slot in alongside him for Liverpool - and he has prior knowledge and experience of Alonso's playing style.

Little-known Mikel Arteta reunion

One of Xabi Alonso's closest childhood friends was none other than Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, with the pair growing up together in the Spanish region of San Sebastian.

While they were never able to play together at Real Sociedad - Arteta joined Barcelona's academy instead - Alonso's appointment at Anfield would see the pair reunite and do battle as Premier League managers.