Xabi Alonso stance on taking Man Utd job with Bayer Leverkusen preparing for exit

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has already turned down Manchester United once, with neighbours Manchester City now looking to prise him away from the German champions.

Alonso was linked with a summer return to Liverpool - where he spent several years as a player - after Jurgen Klopp announced he would be leaving Anfield. He ended up staying in Leverkusen, though, and has recorded back-to-back wins in the Champions League while attempting to mount a Bundesliga title defence.

A Premier League move could yet be on the cards, though, with reports in Germany indicating Leverkusen's higher-ups are bracing themselves for him to leave in 2025. Manchester City are among the interested parties, with Alonso a candidate if Pep Guardiola leaves the Etihad Stadium, though Real Madrid could provide competition.

United also explored a move over the summer, before ultimately deciding to keep faith with Erik ten Hag. It appeared to be a non-starter, though, even before the eventual decision to back Ten Hag with a contract extension.

According to The Mail, who report that Madrid remain keen, Alonso rejected the chance to take over at Old Trafford over the summer. The update is consistent with April reports which indicated the former Spain international would be reluctant to join United due to his ties with their rivals Liverpool.

Former City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon is hopeful City would have no such issues, arguing Alonso's past relationship with Guardiola could help. "Xabi knows the league, he's got some great experience now, having managed in Spain, and winning the title in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, without losing a game," Pantilimon said at the launch of Ladbrokes' Gaffer of all Accas

"He's done a fantastic job over there - he could be an option, for sure. Especially when you remember he's worked with Pep Guardiola before, at Bayern, and so that relationship might play a part in things when it comes to Guardiola's replacement."

Where will Xabi Alonso be managing next season? Have your say in the comments section

Alonso's Leverkusen haven't been able to replicate last season's unbeaten league campaign, losing to RB Leipzig in their home opener in August. They haven't lost since, though, and are the second-highest scorers in the Bundesliga with 18 goals in seven games.

They are due to take on Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, and go into the game off the back of a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the league. Robert Andrich and Victor Boniface were on target in the come-from-behind victory, lifting Alonso's team up to fourth.

Leverkusen have made a strong start to the league phase on their Champions League return as they prepare to face a Brest side who also have two wins from two. Alonso's team opened with a 4-0 win away at Feyenoord, while a second-half goal from Boniface was enough for a 1-0 victory over AC Milan in matchweek two.

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