Xabi Alonso releases statement after confirming Liverpool and Bayern Munich decision

Xabi Alonso has released a statement after it was confirmed that he will reject approaches from Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

On Thursday, it emerged that Alonso is set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with Liverpool considering other candidates to replace Jurgen Klopp.

Alonso has been heavily linked with the Anfield role and the Bayern Munich job, with Thomas Tuchel set to stand down at the end of the season.

However, Alonso has now released a statement, confirming he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen for another year.

The 42-year-old said: "I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen, and I informed them that I will stay and continue at the club.

"After a lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. This is the place for me."

He added: "My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club, help the players to develop. The board is great - it's all fantastic here.

"I'm still a young coach, but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I'm sure about that."

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Bayern Munich's honorary president Uli Hoeness said on Thursday a move for Alonso this summer is "probably impossible".

"[Alonso] is more inclined to stay at Bayer Leverkusen in view of their current successes, because he would not want to leave them behind," Hoeness said.

Sky Sports Germany, meanwhile, report that Liverpool had begun to look elsewhere for their replacement for Jurgen Klopp even before Alonso publicly confirmed his intentions.

The likes of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim are seen as among the favourites for the role, with The Telegraph reporting that Amorim 'has many admirers' at Anfield after an impressive spell in the Portuguese top flight.

De Zerbi will take his Brighton side to Anfield on Sunday, with the Reds looking to reclaim their lead at the top of the Premier League - at least temporarily - from Arsenal before the Gunners take on Manchester City later in the day.