Much of what determines who Liverpool picks for its next manager will be down to timing. Ideally, of course, Jürgen Klopp would remain in place for as long as possible, but at some point the German will depart.
The question then is who is best placed at the time to take over from him, with plenty of options that might seem realistic now perhaps being in jobs that they don't want to leave when the time comes.
Xabi Alonso, impressing hugely in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, is one name that has come to the surface recently. But the Spaniard could be snapped up by Real Madrid before that point.
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If he was to get that gig and do well, then Real Madrid would keep him. Were he to be unsuccessful, perhaps Liverpool would want to look elsewhere.
For now, though, Alonso is concentrating on continuing to do an excellent job in Germany and he could look to a Liverpool teenager to help with that next. And even if Real Madrid does fancy installing him as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement at the end of the coming campaign, there is competition from elsewhere for that coveted role.
Here is the Liverpool.com take on some of the biggest stories around European football today, with Alonso featuring heavily for two very different reasons.
Real Madrid next manager
Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is being lined up by Real Madrid as the man to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, but he could face some competition from some other former Bernabéu legends.
The Daily Mail reports that Alonso is on a shortlist alongside Zinedine Zidane (who would appear to be the most qualified, having done the job successfully before), legendary striker Raúl, and another ex-Reds man in Álvaro Arbeloa.
Raúl is the coach of the club's second team while Arbeloa is currently in charge of Real Madrid's U19s side. Zidane would be the favorite for the role but is also being chased by the France national team.
Liverpool.com says: Alonso seems destined to get to the top of the game in management, just as he did as a player. Having started out with Real Sociedad's second team, he has now done a good job with Bayer Leverkusen. It is almost inevitable that he will manage Real Madrid, Liverpool or Bayern Munich at some point — and possibly all three.
Liverpool starlet targeted for transfer
Liverpool youngster Luke Chambers is wanted on loan by Bayer Leverkusen, the Daily Mail reports, with the England youth international highly rated at Anfield.
Leverkusen boss Alonso supposedly likes the look of the 19-year-old, who Pep Lijnders has picked out previously as being a youngster to watch, after he impressed while on loan at Kilmarnock last season.
A number of Championship sides are also keen on Chambers, but he is said to be Leverkusen's 'main target' for strengthening at left-back. Alonso guided the East German side to the Europa League spots last season.
Liverpool.com says: A loan to Leverkusen would be an amazing step for Chambers to take. Liverpool should not be considering letting him go permanently, but giving him experience in the Bundesliga for a season could be perfect for his development. Long-term, if he progresses enough, Chambers looks ideal for the left-sided center-back position in Liverpool's new system.
