Hammers Alonso hopes fade and die

Hammers Alonso hopes in tatters as Spaniard joins managerial elite 

Any hopes West Ham had of recruiting Xabi Alonso are dead in the water following Bayer Leverkusen’s dismantling of Bayern Munich yesterday.

Alonso had been linked to the Hammers earlier this season due to his connections with Tim Steidten. The West Ham director of football had been involved in identifying Alonso for Leverkusen, and it is understood that the pair know each other well.

However, the Spaniard’s footballing reputation has now grown to such an extent that he would be coveted by most clubs in Europe. If West Ham were to have had any serious chance of recruiting him, it would have been at the start of the season when the club recruited Steidten from Leverkusen.

Liverpool are believed to be interested in recruiting Steidten, who is reportedly struggling to have his transfer suggestions ratified by David Moyes, according to numerous reports. Ironically, The Anfield club is also Alonso’s likely destination, so it could well be that the pair are reunited next season.

Alonso blows Bayern away

Bayer Leverkusen dealt a significant blow to the Bundesliga title race with a resounding victory over Bayern Munich, extending their lead to five points.

Xabi Alonso’s team seized the initiative in the first half, with Josip Stanisic clinically finishing at the back post to put them in front.

The atmosphere at the BayArena soared once more shortly after halftime, as Alex Grimaldo struck from a tight angle to extend Leverkusen’s lead.

Jeremie Frimpong sealed the result in injury time, capitalizing on goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s venture forward for a corner.

Despite being defending champions and having won the last 11 Bundesliga titles, second-placed Bayern struggled to make an impact, managing just one shot on target as Leverkusen dominated proceedings.

Leverkusen’s victory maintains their unbeaten streak to 31 matches in all competitions this season, with 27 wins and four draws to their name.