Xabi Alonso is a leading contender to become Chelsea's new manager, GIVEMESPORT understands.
Chelsea have held positive talks with the former Real Madrid and Leverkusen coach, who is open to a move to the Premier League.
Alonso is out of work after leaving Real Madrid in January and, despite a difficult spell in Madrid, continues to be a highly-regarded manager, having led Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title.
Alonso has been linked with a potential vacancy at Liverpool in recent weeks, but FSG continue to back Arne Slot.
Sources: Alonso Open to Chelsea Job
Xabi Alonso
44-year-old Alonso is said to be ready to return to work as soon as possible and Chelsea are advancing in discussions with a view to finding a replacement to Liam Rosenior before the World Cup begins.
Alonso, who has been described as 'one of the best managers in the world', is not the only contender, with talks also underway with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. Both Alonso and Iraola share the same IDUB Global agency.
Iraola's firm preference is to stay in England, and he is the subject of an ambitious approach from Crystal Palace as well.
Fulham’s Marco Silva is another name under consideration, but Iraola and Alonso are currently ahead of him, according to Chelsea insiders.
Silva has a three-year contract offer on the table to renew at Fulham, and is yet to give an answer. Should Jose Mourinho join Real Madrid, Silva is expected to be under consideration for the Benfica vacancy should he not extend at Craven Cottage.
Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and ex-Flamengo coach Filipe Luis have also been discussed.
Chelsea Eyeing Several Candidates
Filipe Luis
Luis, who has also made Crystal Palace's shortlist, was another name Chelsea briefly considered before appointing Rosenior. In the end, the former Chelsea player was instead earmarked more as a Strasbourg option, and Gary O'Neil ended up getting that job.
Cesc Fabregas and Francesco Farioli have both formed part of Chelsea's due diligence. Como expect Fabregas to stay now they have qualified for Europe for the first time in the club's history, while Farioli is on record as being committed to Porto.
The volume of names are indicative of Chelsea carrying out a thorough process, but Alonso and Iraola are the two main frontrunners as it stands.
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