Xabi Alonso: Liverpool 'Drop Hint' Leverkusen Boss Could Succeed Jurgen Klopp

• Liverpool are hunting for a new manager to take charge in the summer
• The new manager will replace Jurgen Klopp, who will be stepping down
• Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is said to be the favourite to take over

Liverpool have inadvertently dropped the biggest hint yet on who could succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Klopp will depart the club at the end of this season after close to nine years at the helm.

According to the German, he made the difficult decision to step down from the role as he was 'running out of energy.'

It is understood that Klopp will be leaving alongside his backroom team, which includes sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.

The exodus has undoubtedly sent Liverpool back to the drawing board, with the club now set for an extremely busy period ahead of the summer.

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It is believed that hiring a sporting director has been identified as a key priority, with SPORTbible reporting that the Reds are looking in the direction of Tim Steidten.

Steidten is currently attached to West Ham United, where he is serving as the club's technical director.

Liverpool's hint on club's next manager

The Reds' alleged move for Steidten could be the biggest hint yet on who the club could hire to replace Klopp.

If they recruit the football chief, it would be a massive indication that they want Xabi Alonso in the dugout from next season.

Steidten and Alonso have a good relationship, having worked together at Bayer Leverkusen before the former moved to the Premier League.

According to BBC, Alonso has already been touted as a hot favourite to take charge at Anfield once Klopp departs.

The former midfielder has a history with the Merseysiders, having previously played for the club between 2004 and 2009.

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Will Alonso join Liverpool?

Meanwhile, despite Alonso being touted as a strong favourite for the Anfield role, it would take some convincing to land his services.

Sports Brief recently reported that Bayer Leverkusen director, Simon Rolfes has rubbished reports linking the manager to a possible exit.

Rolfes made the public confession after Alonso was linked with the Real Madrid managerial job.