Chelsea is closing in on appointing Xabi Alonso as their next permanent head coach. The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager, who is 44, is expected to sign a four-year deal in the coming days.

The club at Stamford Bridge has been eager to secure a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month. BBC Sport reported that Chelsea had begun contacting potential new managers, including Alonso, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, Marco Silva of Fulham, and Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace.

However, Alonso, a former midfielder for Real Madrid and Liverpool, has emerged as the club's preferred candidate. Talks have been ongoing for several weeks, and Alonso is understood to have been open to the role if certain assurances were met.

Chelsea aims to finalize the appointment before the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City, ensuring that the deal is kept private until after the match.