Richard Keys sensationally claims Liverpool have landed Jurgen Klopp replacement with candidate 'set on' move

Richard Keys has suggested that the appointment of a new manager at Liverpool is now merely a formality with Xabi Alonso having already decided to accept the role.

Liverpool will be on the lookout for a new head coach this summer, following Jurgen Klopp's surprise announcement in January that he will step down. The German cited fatigue as a key reason and is expected to take at least a year away from football.

Alonso has been regularly linked with the job, having all but guided Bayer Leverkusen to a first ever Bundesliga title. They are currently 10 points clear of Bayern Munich, who will also need a new manager this summer and are understandably huge fans of the Spaniard.

Writing in his personal blog about Manchester United's prospective hunt for a new manager, Keys wrote: "I was laughed out of court at the back end of last year when I said they should go and get Alonso - agree a deal with his ‘people’ and guarantee him five years to get it right.

"My critics said ‘No. what’s he done? It’s too soon’. Really? Well 3 months on it’s not too soon for Liverpool to have got him to agree to become their next manager. As I always say when I share news like this - these big deals can always go wrong.

"There’s a lot to go wrong when they’re blue riband, whether it’s a player or coach/manager involved, but my information is that Alonso has decided on Liverpool. If I’m a Liverpool fan - that excites me. What United have got to do is better that appointment."

Whether Alonso does become manager of Liverpool remains to be seen but the likelihood of his arrival being all but done is unlikely. The 42-year-old has regularly insisted that focus remains on guiding Leverkusen to the title, while there is also DFB Pokal and Europa League silverware up for grabs - the latter of which could see him face Klopp and Liverpool in a potential final.