Liverpool face fresh competition for Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.

The Reds have been laying the groundwork to hire Xabi as they prepare for Jurgen Klopp's end-of-season departure.

However, Sport says Barcelona are now interested in the Spaniard.

Like Klopp, Xavi will step down as Barca coach this summer and so leaving the Catalans in need of a replacement.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi has a contract with Bayer until the summer of 2026.

Klopp (Liverpool), Imanol Alguacil (Real Sociedad), Michel (Girona), Thiago Motta (Bologna), Hansi Flick (clubless), Rúben Amorim (Sporting CP), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany), Thomas Tuchel (Bayern Munich) and Rafael Márquez (Barça B) have also been linked with the Barcelona job.