LIVERPOOL legend Xabi Alonso is reportedly "under consideration" to become the new Manchester City No2 alongside Pep Guardiola to replace Mikel Arteta.

City are set to appoint a new assistant coach this summer after Arteta landed the head coach role at Arsenal in December.

According to Goal, the former midfield maestro is first in line to become Guardiola's new assistant.

The Spain ace was coached by the City boss at Bayern Munich between 2014 and 2016, during which time the German club won two league titles and the DFB-Pokal.

The 38-year-old is currently in charge of Real Sociedad's B side, who are in fifth place in the Spanish third division and he has experience leading Real Madrid's Under-14 team.

Alonso visited City's training ground in 2018 to learn about the club's coaching methods and the Etihad boss backed the Spaniard to become a top manager following his retirement.

In 2017 Pep said: "I was so lucky to have him in Munich.

“He’ll come back as a manager – whenever he wants. And he’ll be good."

Alonso enjoyed a stellar career since breaking into the Real Sociedad side back in 2000.

He told the Athletic last year:  "I was so curious to find out (Guardiola's) secrets.

"He has a relentless natural enthusiasm. Football seasons are long but right until the very end, Pep never seemed to be tired.

"He was alert, always ready. For the players, maybe this gave us an extra few metres in our legs when it mattered most."

Rodolfo Borrell, who is already part of City's coaching staff, has been touted for the top job, but it seems the club would prefer to look for an external appointment.

Other possible options include club legend David Silva and Andres Iniesta, but both are still playing so are unlikely to be swayed into the dug-out just yet.

Alonso hung up his boots when his Bayern contract ended in the summer of 2017.

Alongside a picture of him waving, Alonso wrote on his Twitter account: “Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game."

 

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