While it will be all but impossible for Liverpool to directly replace Jurgen Klopp when he leaves at the end of the season, there is a sense among the club's supporters that Xabi Alonso would be the best fit to succeed the German this summer.
Not only did he spend five years as a player at Anfield, but the Spaniard is also regarded as one of the brightest up and coming coaches in world football. He has done a brilliant job since being appointed at Bayer Leverkusen, with the club unbeaten in all competitions this season and currently sitting top of the Bundesliga.
It remains to be seen if Alonso ends up taking the Liverpool job, but there are reports circulating that he is their preferred candidate at this early stage.
In fact, he may already be thinking about what players he could bring to Merseyside should he be appointed.
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Xabi Alonso identifies potential first Liverpool signing
Spanish publication Fichajes are reporting that Xabi Alonso would want to make Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz his first signing at Liverpool should he be appointed at the club.
Wirtz has starred under Alonso in Germany this season, scoring eight goals and registering 12 assists in all competitions. At 20-years old, he has been linked with a number of Europe's biggest clubs in recent months.
The youngster, who already won an impressive 14 caps for Germany, is said to be available for a fee of around €70million this summer. That is certainly not an unreasonable price for a player of his potential.
It is perhaps a bit early for possible Xabi Alonso signings at Liverpool to be discussed, but Wirtz would make a lot of sense. Not only would he fit the profile of player that the club have looked to sign in recent seasons, he would also be familiar with the new manager's style of play and could help implement whatever tactical changes he may look to make at Anfield next season.
This is one to watch over the coming months.
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