Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has emerged as a potential successor to Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, with ex-Liverpool midfielder Alonso linked with an Anfield return.
Leverkusen sit top of the Bundesliga going into Saturday's crucial meeting with title rivals Bayern Munich. Alonso led the team out of relegation danger last season, securing a spot in Europe, and his team have yet to lose in any competition this term.
Liverpool will be on the lookout for a new manager in the summer, following Jurgen Klopp's announcement that the current season will be his last at Anfield. There have been reports of contact with Alonso already, though the Spaniard insists his focus is on Leverkusen alone.
If that changes in the summer, it appears Lopetegui is the German club's first choice. The former Real Madrid boss took over at Wolves midway through last season, saving them from relegation, but walked away in the summer amid "differences of opinion" with the club's higher-ups.
According to Relevo, Leverkusen are "pushing hard" for Lopetegui in the event Alonso leaves. However, they are expected to face competition from Italian side AC Milan.
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Milan's links come amid questions over the longer-term future of current boss Stefano Pioli. "There is a management team, like every year, that at the end of the season will evaluate and make the best decision," Pioli is quoted as saying, insisting he is "focused on the present".
The same report claims Lopetegui turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad earlier in the season. The reigning Saudi champions, who sacked Nuno Espirito Santo after a slow start to the season, ended up appointing former River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo.
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Julen Lopetegui has been out of work since leaving Wolves (PA)"I was surprised by Jurgen's news. I have huge respect for Jurgen and Liverpool," Alonso said in January upon learning of Klopp's decision. "At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work. Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen.
"Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool in the last nine years, and how he's done it. He has a connection with the fans, he's done a great job, but my focus is here at Bayer Leverkusen.
"I have great motivation to do a good job here, I'm very happy with the team, with the club, with everything, so that's my focus. My focus isn't on May, it's on tomorrow ahead of our game against Gladbach and helping my players to be ready. But what I will say is it was surprising what happened at Liverpool with Jurgen leaving."
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