Xabi Alonso emerges as top target for Chelsea – and could be open to role

Xabi Alonso feels his football can fit the Chelsea squad, as the London club explore a deal to appoint the Basque as their next manager, according to sources with knowledge of the process.

The 44-year-old currently heads up the Stamford Bridge hierarchy's short list of potential appointments, along with Andoni Iraola. Aiding Chelsea might be the fact that they currently have no major competition for Alonso's signature.

There has been no serious contact from Liverpool, despite his playing connection to Anfield. Arne Slot is instead widely expected to stay in the job, despite current fan dissent.

Alonso is understood to be keen to return to work this summer, having left a very difficult job in Real Madrid after just seven months. The recent chaos at the Bernabeu nevertheless means that brief role has had no real impact on a burgeoning reputation having previously won a title at Bayer Leverkusen with an unbeaten season.

While there is still some distance to go until any actual deal is struck, contact between the camps has progressed over the past week, with increasingly positive noises.

Aside from his reputation, Alonso is the kind of hands-on coach that the Chelsea hierarchy like. He is also said to see how his system can work with most of the existing players, give or take the few signings that Chelea are expected to make.

Chelsea also greatly admire Iraola, who is the subject of interest from a number of clubs. Manchester United have been monitoring his situation, but the expectation is still they will ultimately appoint Michael Carrick.