Liverpool have made Xabi Alonso their No 1 target to replace Jurgen Klopp and have already made contact with the Spaniard, according to reports.
Klopp sent shockwaves around the world of football last month when he confirmed he'd be leaving Anfield at the end of the season.
It's a huge blow for Liverpool who, at the current moment in time, remain on course for a stunning quadruple.
All eyes are on the Merseyside giants and who they'll turn to next, with the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Ruben Amorim and Julian Nagelsmann all being linked.
Liverpool were rocked by the news Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season
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According to French outlet Foot Mercato, however, it's Alonso who is top of the club's managerial wishlist.
The 42-year-old previously spent five years with the Reds between 2004 and 2009, helping Liverpool win the Champions League and FA Cup during that time.
Alonso is currently in charge of Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, who sit top of the table ahead of Bayern Munich.
Klopp told Liverpool he'd be on his way out in November.
And the Merseyside giants, according to the publication, then immediately made contact with Alonso to get their pursuit started.
Alonso has insisted his focus for the time being is on helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga.
It's a trophy they've never won in their entire history, having finished runners-up on five occasions over the years.
Bayern Munich have won the title for the past 11 seasons.
But Leverkusen look unstoppable at present, with Alonso's side still unbeaten across all competitions.
It'll be intriguing to see who Liverpool opt for, especially given the stellar job Klopp has done during his time in the dugout.
Yet all signs point to Alonso coming in, especially if he's able to end Bayern's dominance of German football.
Speaking recently, meanwhile, Jamie Carragher provided his verdict on links to Alonso.
And the Liverpool icon admitted his old team-mate would be the perfect successor to Klopp, especially given the job he's done at Leverkusen so far.
"Klopp never had to learn how to connect with the Kop," he wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph.
"It was like he was born to be the Liverpool manager.
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Liverpool have made Xabi Alonso their top target to replace Jurgen Klopp
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"That’s one of the reasons why Xabi Alonso is already being considered the natural heir.
"From day one, it was like Xabi was born to be a Liverpool player.
"As he is my former team-mate, it is no surprise that so many are clamouring for him to be appointed. I would love Xabi to get the chance.
"He ticks all the boxes as a former Liverpool player who knows the club and city, is adored by the fans and has already shown in the Bundesliga that he is one of the most exciting young coaches in the world.
"His wealth of experience playing under the greatest coaches of his generation – Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola – mean it is only a matter of time before one of the elite clubs appoint him.
Liverpool have a huge decision on their hands with Jurgen Klopp primed to leave at the end of the season
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"You can never choose the right time for such an opportunity. It may be now."
Liverpool are next in action against Burnley on Saturday (3pm).
They'll go into the match on a low after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
