Xabi Alonso leading candidate for Chelsea manager role with Liverpool expected to persist with Slot

• Xabi Alonso is a leading candidate for the Chelsea managerial position, with the club exploring a deal to appoint him.
• Alonso reportedly believes his football style would be a good fit for the current Chelsea squad.
• Chelsea faces no significant competition for Alonso's signature, as Liverpool is not pursuing him, with Arne Slot expected to remain at Anfield.
• Alonso is eager to return to management this summer, having maintained a strong reputation despite a brief and challenging period at Real Madrid, following an unbeaten title win at Bayer Leverkusen.
• Contact between Chelsea and Alonso's representatives has advanced positively, while Andoni Iraola is also admired by Chelsea and is attracting interest from other clubs.

IN FULL

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