Chelsea close to appointing Xabi Alonso as new manager after direct talks

Chelsea are set to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager ’very soon’, according to reports.

The Blues – who are facing Man City in the FA Cup final – have been without a permanent manager since Liam Rosenior was dismissed in April.

However, they are close to a high-profile appointment as reports indicate that former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso is near an agreement to take over.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Chelsea have had a direct meeting with Xabi Alonso, and a final decision is expected very soon.

“CFC plan to announce their next manager before the World Cup; talks are accelerating.

“Chelsea also spoke to Iraola, Glasner, and Marco Silva as part of their shortlist.”

Chelsea are eager to make an announcement as soon as possible after they play Saturday’s FA Cup final, where they will be overseen by interim manager Calum McFarlane.

The timing is crucial, as Liverpool fans are losing faith in Arne Slot following Friday’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa.

The loss marked the defending champions’ 20th defeat in all competitions this season.

They have also conceded 52 goals so far in the Premier League, setting a club record for a 38-game season.

Fans are eager to make a move for former midfield star Alonso, who won the Champions League during his time at Anfield.

However, Chelsea are in a strong position as Liverpool are hesitant to dismiss Slot just a year after winning the title.

A source told The Telegraph: “Things should progress quickly after the final.

“Chelsea ideally want an agreement with someone within days, whether that’s a few days or ten days. But the process shouldn’t take long now.”

According to The Telegraph, Alonso has emerged as the standout candidate and will be given more input on transfers than his predecessors under the BlueCo ownership.

The Blues are reportedly prepared to support their new manager with plans to recruit two or three experienced players this summer to instantly strengthen the first team.

Alonso, 44, won the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup during an impressive spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

The World Cup winner was dismissed as Real Madrid manager earlier this season after disagreements with key figures in the dressing room.