First signs emerging that club could lose manager to Liverpool – ‘Pushing hard’ to try and secure replacement

Bayer Leverkusen are ‘pushing hard’ to try and wrap up Julen Lopetegui, as they plan ahead for Xabi Alonso potentially joining Liverpool.

That’s according to journalist Matteo Moretto, who covers the Spanish boss today and the growing interest in him from AC Milan and Leverkusen.

He explains that both clubs could be on the hunt for new managers in the summer, with Stefano Pioli potentially set to depart and the same for Alonso, who is being heavily linked with the Liverpool job.

Consistent reports believe he is the man being chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer and, if that is the case, it seems Leverkusen want to be prepared.

According to Moretto, they are already ‘pushing hard’ to sign up Julen Lopetegui, who remains out of work following his departure from Wolves just before the start of the season.

The German side is seen as a ‘highly prestigious’ opportunity, but he is yet to give the green light to move, perhaps hedging his bets in case Milan come calling too.

That’s frustrating for Leverkusen, who would like to tie him down immediately but have been rebuffed so far.

Now that should be of interest to Liverpool, where the feeling is that Klopp’s replacement has already been sorted given, he told the club he was going back in November.

This move from Leverkusen could hint they’ve chosen Alonso, or at a minimum, Leverkusen believe Alonso will be departing and want to be ahead of that happening.