What to make of contrasting reports over Xabi Alonso to Liverpool FC

Amid Bayern Munich announcing Thomas Tuchel will leave his role as the club's head coach at the end of the season, Liverpool have emerged as a rival in the hunt to hire Xabi Alonso in the summer.

The Spaniard is avoiding commenting on all speculation and seems focused on winning a potential treble with Bayer Leverkusen this season.

His most recent comments on the story were: "Bayern, Liverpool? I have nothing new to say. Right now I'm Bayer Leverkusen coach and that's certain. Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say.

“Call received from Bayern? That’s only hypotetical, again — I have nothing new to say."

A claim this week from Kicker journalist Georg Holzner suggested that Liverpool and Alonso are already in advanced discussions over a potential fairytale reunion in the summer when Klopp takes his leave at Anfield.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that Alonso currently prefers to move to Bayern Munich over Liverpool.

He said: "It is not 100 per cent clear that Alonso will say yes to FC Bayern. Bayern have been informed about the difficulty of this transfer. But according to my information, at this stage, Alonso is more willing to join Bayern Munich, instead of joining Liverpool.

"Bayern have already enquired about Alonso and Liverpool have also enquired about the manager in the last few days and weeks."

What to make of the contrasting reports

Many Liverpool fans are confused by the constantly changing tune of reporters regarding Xabi Alonso's managerial future. Is he going to be the club's next manager? Or not?

One thing is clear though: the 42-year-old is focused on achieving history with Leverkusen this season. He's already set several impressive records but clinching the title will secure his reputation as one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe.

Alonso is the most attractive of the options available to FSG as they complete the unenviable job of replacing Klopp.

Given there are still a few months until the end of the season, there is plenty of time for Liverpool to find a successor to the German.