"On the cards..." - Odds slashed on Xabi Alonso becoming next Chelsea manager | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso is now the clear favourite to be named the next Chelsea manager with his odds slashed to just 1/3 with Ladbrokes.

That puts Alonso clear of the competition as things stand, with speculation hotting up that Chelsea’s talks with the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager are advancing well.

The Spanish tactician has been available since leaving Real Madrid earlier this season, and it has seemed only a matter of time before a big club made a move for him.

Liverpool were strongly linked with their former player for some time, but have decided to stick with Arne Slot, allowing Chelsea to swoop.

Xabi Alonso looks set to be named Chelsea manager

Alonso is now odds-on to be the new CFC boss, with Alex Apati of Ladbrokes providing some insight into the situation.

“Xabi Alonso’s long-awaited Premier League return could finally be on the cards this summer, with Chelsea chiefs now just 1/3 to make him their next manager,” Apati said.

See below for the full odds from Ladbrokes:

Next Permanent Chelsea Manager

Xabi Alonso – 1/3 Andoni Iraola – 9/2 Marco Silva – 10/1 Filipe Luis – 10/1 Oliver Glasner – 12/1

There are some other intriguing names there, with Iraola doing a great job at Bournemouth, while Silva’s fine work with Fulham also often seeing him linked with bigger clubs.

Alonso, however, makes sense as a good choice as he’s won major silverware with Leverkusen and also taken on the challenge of managing a dressing room full of big names and egos at Real Madrid.

Chelsea will be another big challenge for the 44-year-old, though, with the west London giants not faring well under this current ownership.

Alonso may find he struggles like his predecessors to work with these young and inexperienced players, whilst also dealing with fan expectations to deliver silverware straight away.