Phil Thompson wants to see Jurgen Klopp bring Xabi Alonso back to Liverpool this summer

This would be a popular acquisition for Jurgen Klopp.

Xabi Alonso may be approaching his 35th birthday but you'd still fancy him to do a job in the centre of the park. The Bayern Munich midfielder's game is built more around his vast range of passing and hawk-like vision than it is around any actual running so one would imagine that there is another year or two left in his legs. And Liverpool legend Phil Thompson wants to see Alonso play out those final couple of years at Anfield. The Spaniard played five seasons for the Reds, earning cult hero status for his performances on Merseyside and Thompson, when asked for his summer transfer wishlist, revealed that, among other things, he remains hopeful of a deal being done for Alonso to pass on his knowledge to the younger midfielders in the Liverpool side. “If Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli go then I’d still like to see another striker come in," Thompson said, via the Liverpool Echo. "I’ve been saying for a few years that I’d like to see Liverpool try and tempt Gonzalo Higuain away from Napoli.

“Another one, after Pep Guardiola left Bayern, would be to bring Xavi Alonso back to do a Gary McAllister and spend his final few years at Liverpool. I think it would help Emre Can and Jordan Henderson understand the role and I still think he’s one of the best passers around. I know he loved every minute of his time with Liverpool.

“I’d also like to see Joe Allen stay and I’ve been saying that for a long time. Has was one of our most consistent performers after Christmas and deserves a new deal and more playing time.”