Bayern Munich find another Liverpool-linked manager 'very interesting'

Bayern Munich are considering Roberto De Zerbi as a candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel this summer, in what could be a boost for Liverpool's hopes of securing Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has been seen as the frontrunner for both the Liverpool and Bayern jobs this summer, with his Bayer Leverkusen side unbeaten in all competitions in 2023/24 and on course for a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Reports claim the highly sought-after coach is number one on the wish list both on Merseyside and in Munich.

However, while the Reds are prepared to wait to initiate talks as they respect Leverkusen's title charge and finalising a new behind the scenes structure, Bayern's courtship has been more direct.

Several reports in Germany have claimed the 42-year-old is more inclined to take the Bayern job. However, talk of an official approach from Bavaria has been dismissed.

In fact, BILD reporter Christian Falk claims that the reigning Bundesliga champions are still looking at other candidates, including Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi.

He told CaughtOffside: "Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton is also considered a candidate at FC Bayern.

"The new head of sports, Max Eberl, finds the Italian very interesting.

"However: In Munich they are not prepared for a coach to take a large team of assistants with him. That could be an obstacle. It is also a problem that De Zerbi does not speak German."

44-year-old De Zerbi is also one of the names frequently mentioned as a possible candidate for Liverpool.

The Italian has won admirers during his time in both England and Italy for his possession-based, attacking football and ability to develop young talent.

However, De Zerbi has yet to be tested at a true European giant like Liverpool or Bayern, while his Brighton side have lost four of their last six in all competitions and have underwhelmed at times this season.

Along with Alonso and De Zerbi, the likes of Jose Mourinho, Hansi Flick and even Jurgen Klopp have been touted for the Bayern job. However, the Liverpool boss has insisted he will take a break from football after he departs Anfield at the end of the season, ruling him out of the running.

Liverpool hope in Alonso chase

Liverpool, meanwhile, hold Alonso as the preferred candidate to take over from Klopp, though Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorin remains a contingency option.

The Reds are said to be biding their time before initiating talks, while Alonso is 'unlikely' to turn down the chance to speak with the club he spent five years at as a player between 2004 and 2009.

Interestingly, while there is no specific release clause in the former midfield playmaker's contract, it has been reported that Leverkusen may demand more money from a direct rival like Bayern than from Liverpool.