Liverpool know their preferred manager should Xabi Alonso say no

Liverpool have their preferred manager in mind if Xabi Alonso rejects them this year. The Spaniard has other options.

The Independent reports that Liverpool are drawing up their shortlist of alternatives should Xabi Alonso reject the chance to take over this summer. The Reds are in the market for a new boss after Jurgen Klopp announced his intention to step down at the end of the season.

Alonso is the first choice after his incredible job at Bayer Leverkusen this season. Leverkusen are eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and unbeaten all season.

However, there's also competition. Bayern Munich will part with Thomas Tuchel this summer, too, and Alonso supposedly tops their list. The Spaniard is known to want to manage one of his former clubs and he'll get the opportunity to pick one this year.

That means both Liverpool and Bayern need alternatives. The Independent claims Ruben Amorim now tops Liverpool's list should Alonso reject the chance to take over at Anfield.

Roberto De Zerbi is the other name mentioned in the article, but only as someone who isn't seen as likely a hire as Amorim. The Brighton boss has been linked since the start of the Reds' search.

Amorim has taken Sporting to the top of Liga Portugal, winning the title in 2021 - their first since 2002. They're currently locked in a title race with Benfica, level on points but with a game in hand.

That record has Liverpool scouting Amorim. While Alonso is the preferred choice, the Portuguese manager has plenty of admirers, too.

Though, the Reds would fancy their chances of getting him. Of course, Barcelona is another major job up for grabs this year but it appears they've already ruled Amorim out of the running.

Liverpool, then, may be hiring one of two managers in 2024 - Alonso or Amorim.