Bayern Munich sporting director's response to Xabi Alonso speculation amid Liverpool links

Liverpool are exploring bringing Xabi Alonso back to Anfield but this time as a manager as the search for Jurgen Klopp's successor continues.

The German will leave the club at the end of the season but life will go on even if that seems impossible to imagine at the moment.

Mixed reports emerged this week over Alonso to Liverpool as Bayern Munich are now emerging as a genuine destination for the Spanish coach.

It's not going to be a straightforward for Liverpool as before.

Bayern Munich director Freund avoids commenting on Xabi Alonso speculation

Bayern announced on Wednesday that Thomas Tuchel will leave his role as the club's head coach in the summer.

When prompted for a comment on the ongoing Xabi Alonso speculation, Bayern Munich's 46-year-old sporting director Christoph Freund avoided being lured into the rumour mill.

He replied, saying: "That's not a topic for us now.

"We now all have to work together to ensure that we spend three more nice and successful months together with Tuchel."

Liverpool need to ratify head coach appointment ASAP

While the end of the season is still three months away, Liverpool owners FSG need to confirm the club's next manager as soon as possible to avoid wasting the initiative given to them by Jurgen Klopp.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager told the club about his decision to leave back in November which means they have already had plenty of time to sit with it.

Now, however, is the time for action. So much hinges on who the next head coach will be and the longer it takes for FSG to ratify the appointment, the longer transfers, contracts and other pivotal decisions are left unmade.

Alonso is the dream choice but Ruben Amorim, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi are all exciting options in their own rights.