First filter, many possibilities for Liverpool but few real options

Liverpool can boost its chances of ending Jürgen Klopp's tenure with a second Premier League title with victory at Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds will start the weekend five points clear at the top following the midweek win over Chelsea at Anfield. And with Manchester City not in action until Monday, that gap could be stretched to eight with success at the Emirates, where Liverpool has already won in the FA Cup this season. Klopp's men have lost just once in the league this season and such a lead would seem very difficult for Arsenal to pull back.

The great scam of Xabi Alonso in the Liverpool team

With Liverpool continuing its fine form on the pitch, the search for Klopp's successor goes on off it. It is now a week since the German rocked the Anfield fanbase by announcing his plans to leave at the end of the season. There appear to be two main contenders in the running for the job, with Liverpool also needing to replace sporting director Jörg Schmadtke at the end of the transfer window.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool's shortlist to replace Klopp has been 'confirmed' to include Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi. The pair were quickly installed as the bookmakers' favorites to take over following last week's shock announcement. Alonso and De Zerbi deserve great credit for their work at Bayer Leverkusen and Brighton, with both clubs remaining in contention for the Europa League trophy this season, alongside Liverpool. It remains to be seen if Liverpool will move for either but Romano believes they have admirers on Merseyside.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he reports that both managers are 'for sure' on the list to replace Klopp but maintains Liverpool will take its time in making an appointment. The Reds are also on the lookout for a new sporting director and it is suggested that will also come into the thinking when naming the next boss. Alonso remains the frontrunner to take over from Klopp this summer and reports in Germany suggests that deal could be moving closer. According to Die Welt, Liverpool are continuing to prepare an approach for the midfielder, who is in his first senior job in management at Leverkusen.

Game against Chelsea could be worth a title for Klopp before he leaves

A man of the house

That is unlikely to put the Anfield hierarchy off though, who are said to believe Alonso is 'strong enough' to take the job at this stage of his career. There have been reports that Alonso has a clause in his Leverkusen contract, allowing him to join Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, at the end of the season. Those claims have been dismissed by the Bundesliga leaders and it is now suggested Liverpool will have to cough up at least $10.9m to lure him away. Leverkusen returns to action against SV Darmstadt 98 this weekend where it will hope to strengthen its position as a Bundesliga title contender.