Xabi Alonso has reportedly identified his top target if he takes the reins at Liverpool this summer.
Alonso's managerial stint with Real Madrid ended prematurely this year following defeat in the Spanish Super Cup and he has been heavily linked with returning to Liverpool as manager.
The Spaniard was one of the names in the frame when Jurgen Klopp departed but he ended up staying on at Bayer Leverkusen, with Arne Slot appointed and winning the league in his first year.
Pressure has piled on the Dutchman after a difficult second season and after German outlet BILD reported that Alonso's agent, Inaki Ibanez confirmed that there is concrete interest from Liverpool, Fichajes say he is "increasingly close" to becoming their new manager.
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The website also adds that Alonso wants to "steal" one of his former players and take him to Anfield, with Real's Arda Guler at the top of his wishlist.
Guler developed under Alonso in his short spell in charge of Real and has grown into a valuable player for Los Blancos, with four goals and 13 assists in 45 games in all competitions.
With legend Mo Salah departing, it's claimed that Guler is seen as a "priority" addition for Liverpool and the club believe he can thrive in their project.
Liverpool can offer Guler a starting spot and more minutes and are poised to "present an ambitious offer" for the Turkey international.
The Fenerbahce academy product is one of the most exciting prospects in world football and the report adds that Real have no intention of selling him and have "complete control" of the situation.
However, Liverpool could test Real's resolve and the potential arrival of Alonso could provide to be a decisive factor for Guler.
Guler is currently on international duty with Turkey and helped his country claim a World Cup semi-final play-off victory over Romania on Thursday.
The 21-year-old produced a sensational assist for Brighton's Ferdi Kadioglu to score the only goal of the game and set up a clash with Kosovo on Tuesday.
A win will see Turkey qualify for their first World Cup since 2002 when they finished third in a fairytale run.
Topics: Xabi Alonso
Josh Lawless