Xabi Alonso is on the verge of becoming the new manager of Chelsea, with a full agreement between both parties nearing completion.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer 04 Leverkusen boss is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Stamford Bridge side in the coming days.

Chelsea have been searching for a new manager following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior last month. The Blues have since been under the guidance of interim manager Calum McFarlane.

Their latest setback came on Saturday as Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the decisive goal.

Despite the disappointment, Chelsea are now close to finalising Alonso’s appointment, with the Spaniard set to take over as manager rather than head coach as the club seeks to make him the leading figure of its long-term project.

The 44-year-old has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid in January after a difficult spell at the Bernabeu that lasted less than eight months.

Before his move to Spain, Alonso enjoyed huge success in Germany, guiding Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title during the 2023/24 season without losing a single league game.

He also led the club to German Cup glory in his first full campaign as a senior club manager, cementing his reputation as one of football’s brightest young managers.