TOTTENHAM are keen to appoint Xabi Alonso as the club’s new first team manager, according to reports.
Spurs have been without a permanent manager since the dismissal of Antonio Conte in March.
Former midfielder Ryan Mason is currently at the helm having taken over from Conte’s former assistant Cristian Stellini, who was sacked after just four games as interim boss.
But Daniel Levy is keen to appoint a new manager before the 2023-24 campaign kicks off.
According to The Mirror, Alonso has emerged as the main target for the job.
The Spaniard is currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, but Levy is reportedly willing to pay a release fee – which is understood to be the equivalent of one year’s salary – in order to secure his services.
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However, despite his rumoured return to the Premier League, Alonso recently hinted that he could remain in Germany next season.
He said: “I’ve been in football for many years, rumours are normal but we still have a lot to achieve.
“That’s why my head is 100 per cent here for the last few months. And my head is also 100 per cent here for next season.”
Alonso enjoyed a successful playing career before transitioning into management.
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He won the Champions League and the FA Cup during his five-year stint with Liverpool before joining Real Madrid in 2009.
The midfielder then added to his vast trophy collection in Spain by winning a LaLiga title, two Spanish Cups and another Champions League title.
Alonso also won several accolades with the Spanish national team, including two European Championship titles and a World Cup.
He retired from his playing career in 2017 after a three-year stint with Bayern Munich and made the transition into management in 2019 when he was appointed head coach of Real Sociedad B.
He left Spain in May 2022 and became manager of Bayer Leverkusen in October.
The Spaniard has since led the club to a Europa League semi-final.
If Alonso declines the offer to become Spurs manager, Levy is expected to turn to Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
