Germany legend urges Xabi Alonso to snub Liverpool this summer

German legend Lothar Matthaus has urged Xabi Alonso to rebuff Liverpool's advances this summer and stay at Bayer Leverkusen instead. 

Xabi Alonso continues to do a wonderful job at the BayArena this season, with his side still unbeaten in all competitions as they repeatedly dazzle spectators.

Die Werkself moved themselves five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table last Saturday after comfortably beating Bayern Munich 3-0 and if Alonso can guide Leverkusen to the Meisterschale this season, he would be the first manager since Jurgen Klopp in 2012 to stop the Bavarians from winning the title.

Given his growing reputation, the former Liverpool midfielder is understandably being linked with a return to Anfield this summer, potentially taking over from the departing Jurgen Klopp come the end of the season.

However, former Bayern Munich icon Matthaus has suggested that Alonso should snub Liverpool to continue his journey with Leverkusen, before eventually making the move to Real Madrid - another one of the Leverkusen manager's former employers.

"I think his job at Leverkusen is not finished: he was a coach before he sat on the bench and that helps him," Matthaus told Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

"It would be difficult to repeat Klopp’s results immediately, while in the Bundesliga he is more protected to grow and win. Then there will be time to go to a big team, maybe Real Madrid."

Alonso is reportedly the 'main candidate' in Liverpool's search for Klopp's successor, although Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has suggested that the Spaniard will stay with the current Bundesliga leaders.

The 42-year-old reportedly has a clause in his current deal with Leverkusen that allows him to move to three of his former employers: Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The latter may also be interested in appointing Alonso given their current struggles under Thomas Tuchel, with the Bavarians never shy in poaching the Bundesliga's top talents.