Liverpool scout two of Xabi Alonso's stars in Leverkusen win over Bayern Munich

Liverpool's scouts were in attendance at Bayer Leverkusen's marquee win over Bundesliga title rivals Bayern Munich at the weekend, keeping an eye on players on both sides, according to a report.

Leverkusen is a club that Liverpool fans have been paying close attention to in recent weeks due to their Liverpool-linked manager.

Following Jurgen Klopp's shock announcement to stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to take over at Anfield.

The 42-year-old is not only a much-loved former Reds star, but also a burgeoning coaching talent as his Leverkusen side chase down a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Alonso's men are unbeaten in 2023/24 and saw off Bayern Munich 3-0 on Saturday in an attention-grabbing display that cemented their title credentials to put them five points clear at the top of the table after 21 games.

Many now anticipate that Alonso will make the move to Merseyside this summer regardless of what happens in the run-in in Germany, while there have been reports that the Reds have already made contact with their former midfield playmaker.

Alonso might not be the only man at Leverkusen the Liverpool hierarchy are interested in, however.

HITC reports that Liverpool scouts were in attendance at the BayArena on Saturday to take in the performances of two of Alonso's players: Piero Hincapie and Florian Wirtz.

Left-sided defender Hincapie has long been known as Liverpool target, with Anfield Watch reporting last month that the Reds' enquired about the 21-year-old Ecuadorian during the January window, but were knocked back.

With Liverpool likely to focus their recruitment drive on the defence this summer, Hincapie is seen as a candidate due to his ability to feature at both left and centre back.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old attacker Wirtz is viewed as one of Europe's most exciting young talents.

The Germany international didn't register a goal contribution during Saturday's victory but has eight goals and 12 assists to his name already in 2023/24 across all competitions.

HITC's report adds that the scouts were also looking at Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala, who is 'liked' by Liverpool.

It is added that Manchester City representatives were also in attendance running the rule over Wirtz and Musiala.

The match will have also given Liverpool a chance to take a closer look at Alonso, who appears a stronger candidate to succeed Klopp with each passing week.

While the 42-year-old is both the bookies' and fans' favourite for the job, Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has attempted to knock back suggestions that his head coach will not be leaving this summer.

Asked if he was sure Alonso would still be Leverkusen's manager next season, Rolfes replied: "Yes, I'm sure.

"One [reason] is the contract. The other thing is how comfortable he feels, the family, himself and that he knows what he has in the club.

"He also has a very good team, we will have a very good perspective next year and there's no change in the team. We will definitely have a top team available next year. These are all points that - in addition to contracts - coaches like Xabi, but also players who [attract] interest, often stay with us."