Chelsea hold talks with former Real Madrid manager Alonso

Xabi Alonso is emerging as one of the leading contenders to become Chelsea’s new manager

The Blues have held talks with the ex-Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss about taking charge at Stamford Bridge next season. Sources with knowledge of the process have indicated that those discussions have been relatively positive and that Alonso is keen on managing in the Premier League.

Officially, Chelsea are mid-way through appointing a successor to Liam Rosenior and would ideally like to have their new man in place before the 2026 World Cup starts on June 11. Fulham’s Marco Silva and outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola are both on the list, as previously reported by talkSPORT.

Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and ex-Flamengo chief and former Chelsea player Filipe Luis are also under consideration. Luis, also on Palace’s shortlist of possible Glasner replacements, was another name Chelsea discussed before appointing Rosenior. However, talks centred more around Luis going to Strasbourg.

The 40-year-old Brazilian is also still in the process of getting his A-license, following his shock sacking at the start of March. Cesc Fabregas is another name known to be admired by Chelsea. The one-time Blues midfielder has said he’s intent on staying at Como.

Francesco Fariola also has admirers. Sources close to the Porto boss claim he’s set to remain in Portugal. If Alonso does end up at Stamford Bridge, that would give Palace encouragement that they can convince Iraola to take over from Glasner at Selhurst Park.