Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could be set to depart Bayer Leverkusen as suitors including European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich keep an eye on developments

Real Madrid's search for a central defender highlights the complexities of the January transfer window. The club faces a difficult decision, weighing the need for immediate reinforcement against the risks of overspending or settling for a short-term solution.

Per Eurosport in Spain, Alonso is likely to move on in the off-season with Real Madrid calling. The La Liga giants want to move along from veteran head coach Carlo Ancelotti in the summer. Alonso turned down the chance to manage Bayern Munich or Liverpool in the last offseason.