Liverpool make Xabi Alonso 'request'; Bayer Leverkusen informed

Liverpool have made 'a request' to the agent of Xabi Alonso, according to reports. Bayer Leverkusen have been made aware of the move.

This comes from Christian Falk of Sport Bild. Liverpool have 'made a request' to the agent of Xabi Alonso, Inaki Ibanez.

The Spaniard - and former Liverpool midfielder - has long been reported to sit at the top of the Reds' shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp this year. It now appears they've made their move.

Falk claims Bayer Leverkusen have been made aware of the approach. However, The German club is still confident that Alonso will reject any offer, and that's backed up by his contract that lasts until 2026.

It's unclear whether Leverkusen are confident Alonso will reject the offer for now, or whether he'll reject it entirely. The manager has always been open about not wanting to accept anything or commit to anywhere before the season is done.

It's entirely possible, then, that Alonso could reject Liverpool's approach but with a view to reconsider in June. At the same time, he could also reject it and commit to remain with Leverkusen for another year.

What appears to be certain, though, is that Liverpool want Alonso and don't want to waste time. That's entirely understandable, given Bayern Munich entered the race for Alonso earlier this month.

They'll part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season and Alonso, who is also a former Bayern player, is their no.1 target. We do believe that Liverpool offer a better project than the Bavarians but having a club of that size compete is far from ideal.

The Reds aren't going to sit back and wait, then. Alonso is the manager they want, they need to know if he's open to the move, and if he says no, that could seriously alter Lvierpool's plans going forward.