Liverpool transfers: Reds still want two of Xabi Alonso's players

Liverpool still hope to sign two of Xabi Alonso’s players at Bayer Leverkusen, even after he rejected the chance to be their new manager.

Football Transfers claims Liverpool still have eyes on two Bayer Leverkusen stars. Links to the pair have existed for a little while but it felt natural for them to fade once Xabi Alonso rejected the Reds' manager job.

After all, signing players from Leverkusen made absolute sense if the Spaniard was taking over. Even with him off the table, though, it appears Liverpool want to bring in a couple.

Alex Grimaldo is one of those. The left-back / wing-back has been a revelation in the Bundesliga, with 11 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.

Florian Wirtz is the other, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Wirtz has long been one of the most sought-after playmakers in European football. His efforts as a teenager for Leverkusen were out of this world - only injury slowed him down.

But with that injury behind him, Wirtz has recovered to become one of the best creative players around once again. And one that Liverpool might just try and sign this summer.

Even if his manager, Alonso, wouldn't be joining him at Anfield.

Liverpool like Leverkusen pair

Left-back is set to be an interesting one for Liverpool this summer. Andy Robertson's injury problems, coupled with a possible switch to a wing-back formation, means decisions will be made.

Signing someone like Grimaldo could be the answer - not that he'd come cheap.

Wirtz, though, is probably the bigger decision. Liverpool could use a new playmaker, with the team struggling to convert their dominance into goals over the last few weeks. The young German could be a solution.

Just not a cheap one. It all depends on how much money is there to spend - as well as what the new manager wants. Though, it's difficult to believe any new manager would turn down these two.