Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has claimed the club have not spoken to Xabi Alonso about the prospect of succeeding outgoing head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Alonso has made waves in management since joining Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were mired in a Bundesliga relegation battle. They are now ten points clear atop the table and on course for their first ever league title, while they are the last remaining unbeaten side in all competitions across Europe’s top five leagues this season.

The Spaniard’s work has not gone unnoticed. 90min understands he is top of Liverpool’s seven-man shortlist of contenders to replace Jurgen Klopp, who is standing down from his role at Anfield at the end of the season, and Bayern are also interested in a reunion.

In recent weeks, reports from Germany have suggested Bayern lead Liverpool in the race to bring in Alonso and have already opened negotiations with their former midfielder. However, in an interview with Sky Sport Germany, Eberl denied these claims.

“Of course we want the new coach to be chosen as quickly as possible, but it has to be right, there won’t be a quick fix,” Eberl said.

“We have a list of priorities that we want to work through. But we still have one more season with Thomas Tuchel. We want to finish in the best possible way. That’s why I’ve often spoken about the balancing act and that’s what we have to do.

“It’s not my place to talk about other coaches. We have to keep our jobs and find out who is the right one. Then we have to see what it can cost and whether we can afford it. There are many facets that play a role when looking for a coach.

“We haven’t spoken to anyone yet. It will always be respectful because one or two candidates have another club, so it’s not that easy.”

There is likely to be a considerable amount of overlap between Bayern and Liverpool’s shortlists. Like Alonso, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has notably been linked with both jobs.