Liverpool 'send scouts to watch Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz, Piero Hincapie'

Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso has emerged as the front-runner to take over the reins from Jurgen Klopp when he leaves Anfield at the end of the season.

Alonso is currently enjoying a memorable campaign with Leverkusen, having led the club to the top of the Bundesliga table.

The former Liverpool midfielder has also guided the German side into the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal and the Europa League knockout rounds.

While the Reds continue to be linked with the Leverkusen boss, they are also believed to be keeping tabs on two members of Alonso's squad.

According to The Mirror, Liverpool sent scouts to watch Wirtz and Hincapie in Saturday's crucial 3-0 win over reigning Champions Bayern Munich.

Josip Stanisic, Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong all got on the scoresheet to extend Leverkusen's lead to five points at the top of the table.

Hincapie, who usually plays in the centre of defence, was utilised as a left-back in the commanding win over Leverkusen's title rivals.

Like Hincapie, Wirtz was on the pitch for the duration of the contest, operating in a number 10 role behind forward Amine Adli.

Wirtz has been integral to Leverkusen's attacking efforts this season, scoring eight goals and providing 15 assists in 29 matches in all competitions.

The Reds are not the only club keeping tabs on the 20-year-old progress, with Real Madrid and Manchester City believed to be among his admirers.

Meanwhile, Hincapie has made 23 competitive appearances this season, chipping in with a goal in Leverkusen's narrow 3-2 win over RB Leipzig last month.

A recent report claimed that Liverpool made an effort to sign the left-sided defender in January, but they ultimately saw their approach knocked back by Leverkusen.

Liverpool are on the lookout for a new centre-back, with Joel Matip likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.