Liverpool set to miss out on Xabi Alonso as two leading contenders to be next manager emerge

Liverpool are reportedly set to miss out on appointing Xabi Alonso as their next manager.

The Bayer Leverkusen boss is highly sought after having impressed during his short time in Germany, with Alonso’s team unbeaten all season as they lead the Bundesliga.

However, Liverpool do not believe that Alonso will be available for hire this summer.

Leverkusen have remained steadfast in their desire to keep the Spaniard, particularly amid rival interest from Bayern Munich who will also have to look elsewhere.

Both Bayern and Liverpool appear to be natural fits for Alonso, as two of the few clubs he starred for during his playing career which saw him build a rapport with fans on Merseyside.

But the 42-year-old being ruled out of the running to replace Jurgen Klopp will lead to the Reds focusing their efforts elsewhere, despite reportedly being interested in Alonso.

The Telegraph name Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim as the two frontrunners for the Anfield dugout.

De Zerbi takes his Seagulls to Liverpool on Sunday looking to disrupt Klopp’s title charge, with Brighton losing only one of their last eight matches with the Reds.

Amorim, 39, is on course to win his second Primeira Liga title with Sporting and the Lisbon club top the table ahead of a showdown with rivals Benfica a week on Saturday.