One of Europe’s most sought-after coaches, Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has become the subject of a viral internet scam in Thailand.

Thai con-artists have created an Instagram profile purporting to belong to Alonso, on which he followers are asked to donate to his travel costs.

“Hi, I’m Xabi Alonso,” a message on  the account reads. “I’m going to take over as Liverpool coach, but I need money for my plane fare [to the UK].”

The message, which asks people to donate 300 baht (around $8.50), has led Thai law enforcement to warn Instagram users not to be fooled.

In a Facebook post, Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau told soccer fans not to transfer money to the scammers or click on any links they send.

Although the fake Xabi Alonso  account has a ‘verified’ tick, this  is meaningless as such status  can be bought for a small fee.

It’s no coincidence that Premier League club Liverpool have been chosen as  the focus of this online scam: the Reds have a huge fanbase in Thailand.

Following Jürgen Klopp’s announcement that he is to step down as Liverpool boss this summer, Alonso has been tipped to replace the German.

Alonso is not the first soccer star to  be targeted by fraudsters: for  example, Kylian Mbappé’s image was used in ads for a crypto scam.