Liverpool in direct talks to source Klopp replacement

Liverpool will be hoping to move a step closer to a quadruple when they host Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday evening. 

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp lifted the eighth trophy of his Liverpool career on Sunday, as his side beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

After a goalless 90 minutes, the game looked to be heading to a penalty shoot out before Virgil van Dijk headed in from a corner to earn the Reds victory.

Klopp’s side are still in contention to win the Premier League and Europa League, as well as the FA Cup, in what is set to be the German’s final season in charge.

Now, it has emerged that the Merseyside club are already in talks with a target as they look to find Klopp’s successor.

As per Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen about boss Xabi Alonso as they look to convince him to succeed Klopp.

Alonso is set to be a man in demand this summer

The report claims that the Reds have identified the Spaniard as a top target to become their next manager, but face competition from German champions Bayern Munich who are searching for a replacement for current boss Thomas Tuchel, who is also set to leave his post this summer.

It is suggested that Alonso views Bayern’s approach as disrespectful, whereas Liverpool’s contact was made professionally.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso, 42, is a man in demand at present after impressing with current club Leverkusen.

The German side currently sit top of the Bundesliga table – eight points clear of reigning champions Bayern – and are unbeaten across all competitions so far this term.

The ex-Spain international has been linked with soon to be vacant positions at both Liverpool and Bayern, as well as Spanish side Barcelona.