Xabi Alonso emerges as leading contender to become Tottenham’s new manager

Former Spain international Xabi Alonso has reportedly emerged as a leading contender to become Tottenham Hotspurs’ new manager. 

The 41-year-old was appointed as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen last year, replacing Gerardo Seoane in the hot-seat. 

The Spaniard has been impressive at the German club, leading his side to sixth in the Bundesliga and the Europa League semi-finals. 

He has implemented an attractive style of attacking football, with his amazing work at the Bay Arena now attracting the attention of several top European clubs. 

According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Alonso has emerged as a top candidate for the Spurs job. 

The North Londoners are looking to sign a permanent manager after they sacked Antonio Conte in March. 

Tottenham put Cristian Stellini in temporary charge but a miserable run of form prompted them to replace the Italian with Ryan Mason. 

The Lilywhites have been linked with several top managers so far, including Julian Nagelsmann and Arne Slot. 

However, they have hit a major stumbling block in Nagelsmann’s pursuit as signing the German would reportedly be very expensive for them. 

The 35-year-old’s contract at Bayern had no termination clause and so the Bundesliga giants are still paying his £10.6 million annual salary. 

Arne Slot has also done an impressive job at Feyenoord who are now on the verge of winning the Eredivisie title. 

But, as per De Telegraaf, Alonso is thought to hold an advantage over the Dutch coach. 

It is said the Premier League club are impressed with the Spaniard’s resume, dating back to his time with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as a top midfielder.