Xabi Alonso has been in ‘direct talks’ with Chelsea over becoming the club’s new manager, with a decision over the post expected in a matter of days.
Chelsea go into Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City with youth team boss Calum McFarlane still in interim charge.
The Stamford Bridge side have not had a permanent boss since Liam Rosenior was sacked in April – the second managerial departure of the season from the West London side following Enzo Maresca’s shock exit over the festive period.
Chelsea appear to have made former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso their top target for the role.
According to European transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via Football Transfers) has confirmed that the situation is heating up regarding the 44-year-old.
“Chelsea have had a direct meeting with Xabi Alonso and final decision is expected very soon,” he explained on X.
“They plan to announce their next manager before the World Cup, talks are accelerating.
“Chelsea also spoke to Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Marco Silva as part of their list.”
Appointing Alonso would undoubtedly be a coup for Chelsea, but the former Spain midfielder appears torn between taking a job with the West London side or potentially waiting for the Liverpool role to become free.
To that end, Aston Villa’s 4-2 victory over the Reds on Friday night did the Blues few favours in terms of rushing through the Spaniard’s arrival. That result only ramps up the pressure on Reds boss Arne Slot.
Also Read: Agbonlahor: Silva, Not Alonso Will Be Perfect Manager For Chelsea
So far, the Liverpool board have shown little inclination to part company with the Dutchman, but results continue to slip and the Anfield crown are increasingly turning against the manager.
If the Merseysiders were to miss out on Champions League football on the final day of the season, it could be enough to the under-fire Slot finally lose this job.
