Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen

The boss of the Bundesliga leaders has been heavily linked with former clubs Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

STAYING PUT: Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso. Pic: Tom Weller, AP

Xabi Alonso will remain manager of Bayer Leverkusen, the Spaniard announced on Friday, ending speculation that he would join one of his former clubs Liverpool or Bayern Munich.

Alonso, who has a contract with Leverkusen until 2026, has become the talk of Europe and a reported target for top clubs after leading his team through an unbeaten season while challenging for three trophies.