Man City targeting Xabi Alonso as he prepares for move months after Liverpool snub

Manchester City are lining up to be their next manager if rejects a new contract - but they've got competition.

Alonso, 42, has in charge of German side , winning the title while going unbeaten last season. The Spaniard's record-breaking first full season with Leverkusen made him the favourite to replace at former club .

But Alonso snubbed the chance to return to Anfield, for at least one more season. The 2024-25 campaign is expected to be his last, however, as report that chiefs at the Bay Arena are preparing for his departure next summer.

That's because champions are firmly interested alongside current kings of Europe and Spain , who Alonso left Liverpool for in 2009. City are being forced to assess potential candidates as Guardiola's contract expires at the end of this season.

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Liverpool won't be in the race after hiring but Madrid could opt to part ways with and put themselves in the market for a new boss next summer. The legendary manager signed a new contract until 2026 earlier this year but Real are known for being ruthless and could sense an opportunity with Alonso which is too good to turn down.

It's added that Leverkusen are drawing up a list of candidates to replace the 42-year-old, including boss Sebastian Hoeness and assistant manager Sandro Wagner. Hoeness' Stuttgart finished second in the Bundesliga last season ahead of , 12 months after surviving the relegation play-offs.

Alonso's Leverkusen have this term won five of their last seven matches since losing to in August, a defeat which ended their unbeaten streak after 35 league games without a loss. His sensational start to life as a manager has earned him admirers at City, who've appointed chief Hugo Viana as their new sporting director.

Get involved! Where should Xabi Alonso go - Manchester City or Real Madrid? Tell us your pick in the .

Having been in charge since 2016, Guardiola is yet made a decision on his future. Speaking in July, the former boss said: "Nine years in the same club today is an eternity. So I want to be sure that it's the right decision, not just for me but the club and the players - they run like they did for eight years.

"It doesn't matter the competition, the tournament, this is what I have to see. I am sure eight more years I won't stay! It's good to refresh, for players and managers. At the same time we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues, arriving in the last stages and we are playing competitions like the . This is my feeling right now."

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