Real Madrid have ‘chosen’ Xabi Alonso as the club’s next manager and will make a move for the club’s former midfielder at the end of the season.
Real Madrid have been assessing candidates to become the club’s next manager with Carlo Ancelotti expected to depart at the end of the campaign to take charge of the Brazilian national team.
Alonso has earned admirers since taking charge at Bayer Leverkusen last season, leading the German side away from the Bundesliga’s relegation places and to Europa League qualification.
Leverkusen have also started the new season in fine form and are unbeaten in five league fixtures, trailing Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich only on goal difference.
Radio Marca have reported that Real Madrid have now identified former Liverpool midfielder Alonso as their top target to replace Ancelotti.
Liverpool have been linked with Alonso as a potential long-term successor to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, while both Chelsea and Tottenham were credited with interest in the Spaniard during the summer as the London duo sought new head coaches.
