Xabi Alonso has opened up the vacant Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp decided to step down earlier this year. The Bayer Leverkusen manager was heavily tipped to replace the German who informed club owners Fenway Sports Group in November last year of his intention to leave at the end of last season.

As soon as Klopp announced his decision to end his legendary nine-year reign at Anfield, former Reds midfielder Alonso was tipped by many to replace the German. However, it is understood that Liverpool were informed early in their search for a new manager that Alonso had no plans to parts ways with Leverkusen at the end of last season.

Xabi Alonso spent five years at Liverpool as a player - and was hotly tipped to become the manager, only to rule himself out of contention to replace Jurgen Klopp