Fabrizio Romano says table-topping manager is a ‘very concrete option’ to join Liverpool

With so many injuries plaguing the squad right now, Jurgen Klopp has plenty of work to do before he leaves Liverpool in the summer.

But as the incumbent manager deals with the headache of piecing a competitive XI together, the Reds continue to search for his successor in the background. Up until this point, it has seemed fairly certain that Xabi Alonso is the preferred man to take over from Klopp. The former Liverpool midfielder would certainly have the fans’ vote.

And according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Alonso remains a ‘very concrete option’ for the Reds. Speaking on his YouTube channel yesterday, Romano gave an update on the current situation surrounding the Spaniard.

“I keep telling you that Liverpool have Xabi Alonso in their shortlist,” explained the reporter. “Liverpool’s idea is to appoint a new director of football and then the new manager so at the moment the negotiation with Alonso is not advanced in terms of concrete negotiations, but also they want to respect Bayer Leverkusen in terms of their important season.

“They are fighting in all competitions to win, so they [Liverpool] don’t want to disturb them. But the appreciation from Liverpool is absolutely there and they are also informed on his contract situation, so Liverpool will be there for Alonso. But it’s true that Bayern also appreciate him.

“I would keep Liverpool for sure for Xabi Alonso as a very concrete option.”

Liverpool concrete on Alonso

As we start to get closer and closer to the end of the season, supporters will want to start getting some more clarity over the managerial situation.

In that respect, this is a very promising update from a journalist who tends to be very well connected on such things.

Although Bayern are by all accounts interested in wading in on the race for Alonso, Liverpool don’t sound to be panicking at all.

The Reds are often methodical in the way they approach targets and this tactic usually pays off.

Some may prefer Liverpool to go in all guns blazing in the manner of Todd Boehly’s Chelsea, for example. With Munich circling and Leverkusen intent on keeping Alonso, there could be a feeling of going in and making sure they get their man.

But we actually prefer this softly, softly approach. It would do no good to upset the applecart at Leverkusen while they’re gunning for a potential treble.

Instead, it’ll surely put Liverpool on favourable terms with everyone involved if they respectfully keep a distance while ensuring that interest remains.

When the Reds identify a target they often end up getting them. The leg work is certainly being put in even if we can’t necessarily always see it.

It does make things slightly murky in terms of when we could expect any kind of official announcement. But with the end of the season now under three months away, it won’t be long either way. Things are looking good, but we’re not counting our chickens.