Twist in Bayern Munich's hunt for a new manager provides boost for Liverpool

The managerial merry-go-round continues to spin and, for Liverpool, a lot will depend on Bayern Munich's next move.

Thomas Tuchel will leave the Bavarian giants at the end of the season, creating a vacancy they would ideally fill with Xabi Alonso, the current Bayer Leverkusen manager and leading favourite to take the reins at Anfield.

However, according to fresh reports from Munich-based publication Abendzeitung, it would appear that the German side have now set their sights elsewhere for their potential successor to Tuchel.

Arne Slot, the 45-year-old who led Feyenoord to Eredivisie glory last season, has caught the attention of many clubs across Europe, including the Bayern Munich hierarchy.

His impressive tenure at the Dutch club, coupled with Feyenoord's recent success, has now positioned Slot as one of the leading candidates to take over of one of Europe's elite clubs.

Xabi Alonso, a man in demand

According to the same report, Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß, 41, is also under consideration for the top job at the Allianz Arena after steering the unfancied side to third place, just four points off Bayern at time of writing. However, the side's top target would be Xabi Alonso.

Their pursuit of the Spanish maestro, who has steered Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten run atop the Bundesliga, is complicated, though.

With Liverpool, a team close to his heart, waiting in the shadows following the announcement of Jurgen Klopp's departure at the end of the season, as well as a possible future vacancy at Real Madrid the summer after next, Bayern believe Alonso would be difficult to attract.

As a result, the club are now covering their backs by looking at other options.

For Liverpool, this would appear to be good news. With the main club rivalling for his signature seemingly already dmitting defeat, this would leave the Reds a clear run at their main target.