Sources: 'Leading candidate' emerges in Chelsea hunt for new manager

Xabi Alonso is nearing a return to the Premier League as Chelsea manager after Liverpool’s decision to stick by Arne Slot.

Chelsea are narrowing their search for a new boss after Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties in April after just three months in charge.

Alonso has been closely linked with becoming the Blues’ next manager and has entered talks with the club over taking charge after the season ends.

He has been touted to be Liverpool’s next boss after Slot, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, their decision to stick by the under-fire Dutchman has cleared the path for Chelsea to advance in discussions.

The Spaniard could be named Chelsea’s next manager very soon, with Calum McFarlane remaining in interim charge ahead of their FA Cup final showdown against Man City.

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Slot admitted earlier this week that he has “every reason to believe” that he will be Liverpool’s manager next season due to the talks he has held with their hierarchy.

Alonso will not be taking over at his former club anytime soon, leaving Chelsea with the chance to make him their manager over the coming weeks.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously, there’s been a lot of speculation about it, but as things stand right now, Liverpool are not in the race for Xabi Alonso because they’re sticking with Arne Slot.

“It doesn’t look like they are planning to make a change at Anfield, so there will be no move for Alonso despite calls from supporters that he should be the man to replace Slot there.

“He’s emerging as a leading candidate to become the next Chelsea manager.”

Chelsea have gone seven league games without a win under Rosenior and McFarlane, slipping to ninth in the top flight with two matches left to play.

They are now likely to miss out on qualifying for a European competition for next season, with an eighth-placed finish possibly set to see them return to the Conference League depending on other permutations.

Football finance expert Stefan Borson has revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea could lose around £100m next term if they miss out on European football.

They can qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup on Saturday, which looks like their best chance of making the highest UEFA competition this season.

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