The race for Xabi Alonso between Liverpool and Bayern Munich could see the club that misses out pursue Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi instead, the Daily Mail reports.
With Liverpool and Bayern Munich seeking new managers in the summer, Alonso is the No 1 target for both clubs.
Whether the Spaniard even wants to leave Bayer Leverkusen is not yet known, with the leading the way in the Bundesliga, but wanted by two clubs he played for, it is believed he will make a decision on footballing matters – and not finances.
The Daily Mail adds: “The two clubs will battle and make pitches for Alonso and the manager himself will have the final say on his next destination, if he chooses to leave league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
“Interestingly, both clubs are also keen on Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, too. New sporting director Hughes is a massive fan of the Italian and tried to bring him to Bournemouth when Scott Parker left the club two years ago, only for an ownership lag to thwart this charge.”