Chelsea are on the verge of appointing Xabi Alonso on a four-year contract after reaching an agreement in principle with the Spaniard to become their new head coach. Alonso, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January, is their preferred candidate.

Talks have accelerated this week and an announcement could be made before Chelsea host Tottenham in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Chelsea, who lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, are set for a rebuild after a turbulent campaign. They were rocked by the messy departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day and plummeted after replacing the Italian with Rosenior, who was fired 106 days into a six and a half year deal last month.

Rosenior’s demise heaped pressure on Chelsea’s hierarchy with them entering a period of “self-reflection”. Chelsea have targeted a manager with experience at the top level, either in England or Europe, and view Alonso as the standout candidate. The former Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Madrid midfielder announced himself as one of the brightest young managers in Europe when he led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024.

Alonso, who will become Chelsea’s sixth permanent head coach since their takeover by the BlueCo consortium in 2022, was bruised by his short stint at Madrid. Yet Chelsea, whose shortlist also included Filipe Luís, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner and Marco Silva, have had him on their radar for at least three years.

There has been no sign of Liverpool, who are expected to stick with Arne Slot, trying to make a late move for Alonso. The former Spain midfielder spent five years at Anfield as a player, winning the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006.

Landing Alonso will be viewed as a coup by Chelsea, who have failed to qualify for the Champions League for the third time in four years. Alonso is believed to have sought assurances over the role during talks. Chelsea’s recruitment is overseen by five sporting directors, but he is expected to be handed a big say over signings. After years of trying to buy young talent there will be a focus on signing at least two experienced players this summer.

Chelsea are ending the season with Calum McFarlane in interim charge and are likely to miss out on European football. Yet it is clear they remain an attractive proposition for an ambitious manager. Alonso is keen to work in England and already has the support of Chelsea’s players.

Alonso heading to Stamford Bridge may leave the path clear for Crystal Palace to appoint Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season. Glasner is leaving Palace after the Conference League final on 27 May.