Report gives first strong sign that Xabi Alonso is moving clubs

A new report has given a strong hint that Xabi Alonso is leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Liverpool are linked with the Spaniard.

Relevo reports that Bayer Leverkusen are attempting to negotiate with Julen Lopetegui. The Spanish manager is out of work right now, having left Wolverhampton Wanderers just before the start of the season.

The report also claims AC Milan would like to appoint Lopetegui, but the manager hasn't given the go-ahead to anyone just yet. It's a wait-and-see on the former Real Madrid and Spain coach.

Now, the most interesting part of this is unquestionably that Leverkusen are looking at other managers. The report claims they're pushing hard to open discussions with Lopetegiu - a strong sign that they expect a new manager in the summer.

Their current boss is, of course, Xabi Alonso. He has Leverkusen sitting pretty at the top of the Bundesliga and undefeated in all competitions this season.

That kind of form also has Alonso at the top of Liverpool's shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer. Klopp will step down as manager, prompting the Reds' big search.

Alonso does have a contract with Leverkusen but there are suggestions that he's allowed to leave for one of his former clubs. Liverpool are one of those and are expected to present an offer to him.

And so if this report is correct, Leverkusen are at the very least preparing themselves for a possible exit. At most they're taking the first steps ahead of a probable one.

Alonso is almost certainly going to get an offer from Liverpool as he is the outstanding candidate right now. Everyone can expect plenty of reports pointing in that direction over the coming months as a result.

This is the first suggesting that moves are already happening behind the scenes, though. If true, Liverpool could be getting their man.