Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is leaning towards taking over at Bayern Munich in the summer, despite interest from Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp announced he will be leaving the Reds at the end of the season prompting the club to start looking for alternatives.
Reports immediately linked Alonso with the job at Anfield.
However, Bayern Munich's recent announcement of Thomas Tuchel's departure following the end of the current campaign means they too will enter the market for a replacement.
The two giants are now set to compete for the 42-year-old as their next manager.
Although there is no release clause in the Spaniard's contract at Leverkusen, the German club will allow him to leave if he decides to pursue a new challenge.
And according to Sky Sports, he appears to prefer staying in Germany to take over at Bayern.
Sky Sports News revealed via their account on "X": "At this stage, Xabi Alonso is more willing to join Bayern Munich instead of joining Liverpool".
It remains to be seen if the Bavarians will be able to secure Alonso's signature in the coming weeks.
