Liverpool find two Xabi Alonso alternatives to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer – Paper Round

Liverpool have two alternatives in mind if they cannot secure the signature of Xabi Alonso, claims a report.

Alonso is their first choice but there is no guarantee he will not remain at Bayer Leverkusen or move to Bayern Munich.

“Liverpool are in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday against Chelsea with time ticking down on Jurgen Klopp’s era in charge. His decision in November to step down at the end of the season, with two years remaining on his contract, has meant that Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool since 2010, are now deep into the research for a new manager.

“Alonso, 42, is the standout candidate with his Bayer Leverkusen team, who lead the Bundesliga, winning again on Friday night and setting a new record in Germany with 33 games unbeaten. Liverpool are by no means assured of persuading Alonso, who has other options including staying at Leverkusen or jumping to Bayern when Thomas Tuchel leaves in the summer.

“Ruben Amorim is contracted for another two seasons after this summer at Sporting of Lisbon, and Liverpool would have to pay compensation. The 39-year-old has Sporting back in the title race this season where they are challenging Benfica at the top having won the title in 2021. He has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches and has been considered before for jobs in the Premier League. He performs well in data that measures the value added by a manager to a squad in terms of fees and wages spent.

“Nagelsmann, 36, is out of contract with the German football association after this summer’s European championships, although he would only be available following Germany’s elimination.”

The Mirror reports that Manchester United may have lost their chance to sign Ivan Provedel.

The Lazio goalkeeper has signed a new contract to stay with the Serie A club and United may have to look elsewhere.

“Reports from Italy claimed in November that the goalkeeper was on United’s radar after talks over a contract extension had stalled. However, Provedel has now put an end to those rumours by putting pen to paper on a new contract with Lazio.

“’I am very happy and I want to thank the President for this certificate of appreciation towards me,” he wrote on social media. “I am proud to be a part of this great family and I hope strongly that we will achieve important sporting achievements together. Always Go Lazio’”.

The Sun believes that Nottingham Forest have won the race for 18-year-old Adam Berry, who recently left Manchester United.

Both Burnley and Rangers were said to be keen on the player, but he looks set for a switch to the City Ground.

“Berry had been unemployed after announcing his departure from Carrington on social media earlier this month.

“However, having turned 18 in January, Berry has now been offered a contract by Nottingham Forest following a successful trial.

“Berry is understood to have also courted interest from a number of other top-flight outfits.

“These include Premier League side Burnley and Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers.”

Chelsea are already reportedly willing to consider the sale of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

The Daily Express thinks that his injury-enforced absence means his future is now uncertain, and Aaron Ramsdale could replace him.

“Sanchez, who has not played since mid-December due to a knee injury, set Chelsea back a whopping £25million despite having fallen out of favour with the Seagulls. He started the season as the undisputed No 1 under Mauricio Pochettino.

“But his recent injury absence opened the door to the impressive Djordje Petrovic, and it is unclear whether there will be any way back into the side for Sanchez.

“Chelsea would be willing to cash in on the Spaniard if the right offer arrives this summer.”