Bayern Munich hold preliminary talks with Xabi Alonso

After confirming the arrival of Max Eberl, Bayern Munich will now step up their efforts to find the new head coach. The Bavarian club will part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. The poor performances during February forced the club chiefs to make a decision on Tuchel’s future in Bavaria.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso is the top target for Bayern. The Spanish coach is currently leading Leverkusen’s title charge in the Bundesliga. Alonso’s team has a lead of 10 points over Bayern in the points table after matchday 24. The Bavarian club has taken the first steps to bring Alonso back to Bavaria.

According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern have held preliminary talks with Alonso and his representatives. Contrary to previous reports, the German media outlet is reporting that Alonso would prefer a move to Bavaria over Liverpool. Die Roten will have to pay €15-20 million as compensation to get Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, Bild is reporting that there have been no talks between Alonso and Bayern. The Spaniard is yet to make a decision regarding his future. Bayer Leverkusen are irritated by the recent media reports about talks between Alonso and Die Roten.

It wouldn’t be a big surprise if Bayern held talks through intermediaries to know Alonso’s thoughts regarding a move to Bavaria. They cannot afford to wait forever, as a new appointment should be in place for the pre-season training. The head coach also has a role to play in the summer transfer plans.

Rekordmeister will move on to other targets if Alonso rules out a move to Bavaria. The Bavarian club reportedly have Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi second on the list of coaches to replace Tuchel. According to The Telegraph in England, De Zerbi has a release clause worth £12 million in his contract at Brighton.

In an ideal scenario, Bayern have a deal lined up for a new coach before the end of the season. Since Barcelona and Liverpool are already in the market for a new coach, Bayern need to be decisive to get their top target. The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea may also end up looking for new head coaches in the summer.

Die Roten may have to look for an interim coach if the team fails to beat Lazio later today. An early exit from the Champions League will accelerate the departure of Tuchel. The exit from the Champions League will certainly mean that Die Roten will have a trophyless campaign for the first time since 2010/11.