Chelsea ‘hold talks’ with Alonso as candidates contacted

Chelsea ‘hold talks’ with Alonso as candidates contacted

Chelsea have reportedly “held initial talks” with Xabi Alonso over potentially becoming their next manager.

The 44-year-old is available after parting ways with Real Madrid in January, just seven months after signing a three-year contract last summer.

The Blues are conducting their search for a new head coach after sacking Liam Rosenior last month following a series of disappointing results.

Chelsea ‘hold talks’ with Alonso as candidates contacted

According to The Times, preliminary talks have been “cautiously encouraging”, but Chelsea are still at an “early stage” of the process. It is said they are “not close to agreeing a deal with a preferred candidate”.

The report adds that the west London outfit have also made contact with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham manager Marco Silva, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis has been “discussed internally” as a possibility and there is another mystery candidate on their shortlist.

Alonso has been linked with taking the reins at Liverpool, with whom he played for five years, although reports suggest they are likely to stick with Arne Slot after guiding the club to UEFA Champions League qualification. He is reportedly ahead of next season.