Liverpool interested in recruiting Bayer Leverkusen chief alongside Xabi Alonso

Liverpool are not only interested in recruiting Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso this summer, they also have eyes on the German side's sporting director Simon Rolfes. 

Xabi Alonso is the number one candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season when the 56-year-old leaves his position as Liverpool manager, the former Reds midfielder having thoroughly impressed in the Bundesliga.

The Spaniard's Leverkusen side are now eight points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table after the weekend's results, with Alonso having transformed Die Werkself since his arrival part way through last season.

The club remain unbeaten in all competitions this campaign and have become one of the most attractive sides to watch in European football.

While Alonso deserves enormous credit for his role in Leverkusen's meteoric rise, the club's sporting director Simon Rolfes also merits praise for his impressive recruitment over the past few years.

As a result, Liverpool are also interested in bringing Rolfes to Anfield to fill the club's vacant sporting director post, according to Football Insider,

The outlet claims that "well-placed sources" have indicated that the Reds will make a double swoop for the Leverkusen pair, although recruiting the duo would be incredibly complicated.

Liverpool are currently searching for a new sporting director after Jorg Schmadtke, who oversaw two transfer window for the Reds, departed the club in February.

The Reds have been linked with a number of candidates, including West Ham United's Tim Steidten and Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth - although the latter is now strongly linked with Manchester United.

However, with Liverpool expected to recruit a sporting director before they appoint a new head coach, a move for Rolfes seems difficult to pull off.

Rolfes also recently claimed that Alonso would stay at Leverkusen next season, despite attention from the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich.