Xabi Alonso is a man in demand with Bayern Munich among those pursuing him but a club chief believes they have two rivals this summer – with Liverpool among them

Bayern Munich’s honorary president Uli Hoeness believes they are one of three clubs “working on” deals to land Xabi Alonso.

The Bavarians look set to relinquish their Bundesliga title to Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, who have put together a sensational unbeaten season so far. As a result, Alonso is a man in demand with Liverpool and Real Madrid also linked with his services.

Bayern themselves are looking for a new manager as they prepare to part ways with Thomas Tuchel. Liverpool, meanwhile, need a replacement for Jurgen Klopp. Real are a less likely option given they recently extended Carlo Ancelotti’s deal until 2026.

Nevertheless, the Bayern chief believes it is a three-way battle for the Leverkusen boss as he told German news outlet Ran Sport: “He’s [Alonso’s] proven that he can be a coach for the big time. Clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, Leverkusen and FC Bayern are working on it.”

Alonso played for all three clubs during a trophy-laden career and has affection for each of them. He is relatively new to the management scene with this his first full season as Leverkusen’s boss. He could still lead them to a league-Europa League double come the summer.

Hoeness admits, despite Bayern’s illustrious history, that there is a lack of readily available managers for them to pursue. He said: “There are hardly any coaches who come into question who are currently free, who don’t have a job or who are on sabbatical. It’s not so easy to tell them that FC Bayern is the measure of all things.”

The Spaniard would cost Bayern between £12.8m-£21.3m this summer as a fixed exit clause in his contract of around £12.8m does not kick in until the summer of 2025.

Bayern Munich need a replacement for Thomas Tuchel ( 
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