Liverpool send scouts to monitor Xabi Alonso along with two standout players from Bayer Leverkusen over the weekend, according to the Mirror.
The Reds are expected to announce a new manager in the summer following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as manager of the club at the end of the current season and fans are reportedly rooting for Alonso following his remarkable achievement with Leverkusen.
Leverkusen thrashed defending champions Bayern Munich 3-0 on Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and are on course to win their first-ever league title.
Alonso spent five successful years at Anfield as a player between 2004 and 2009, during which he secured victories in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Following his time with Liverpool, the former Spain international also featured for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The Mirror claims that Ecuador international centre-back Piero Hincapie and Germany star Florian Wirtz were also watched by Liverpool scouts.
Liverpool were first linked with Hincapie last summer with the player’s agent, Manuel Sierra, confirming the Reds’ interest.
“Liverpool were interested in him, but at that time they chose to invest in the midfield,” Sierra said, as per the Liverpool Echo. “It will not be less than £50million.”
However, Sierra later clarified his comments in October, stating that several other clubs are also interested in Hincapie.
“I was directly asked about Liverpool’s interest in Piero Hincapie, and of course they like him, but I never said they made a serious offer or will do so in January,” he said.
“Lots of clubs are looking at him because he’s a young and interesting talent but he is focused on Leverkusen for now.”
Wirtz was particularly impressive in the win over Bayern. The 20-year-old has scored eight goals and provided 15 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions so far this season,
Alonso has previously drawn comparisons between Wirtz and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
“There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch,” the 42-year-old said in January.
“The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient. Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes.
“Messi says: ‘You’re in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!’ It’s not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That’s why he’s so good.”
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