Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso 'No.1 choice' to become next Tottenham manager
Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner for the Tottenham manager's job after impressing at Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Spain and Liverpool midfielder took over at the BayArena in October with Leverkusen flirting with relegation from the Bundesliga. Not only has he taken them up the table and kept them in contention for European qualification, but he has led the former strugglers to the semi-final of the Europa League.
Spurs have yet to appoint a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, who left in March after a tough end to his time in North London. Interim replacement Cristian Stellini has already been and gone, with Ryan Mason now amid a second spell in charge ahead of the next full-time hire.
According to De Telegraaf, Alonso's calibre from his playing days gives him an advantage over fellow contender Arne Slot in at least one department. Slot's Feyenoord are on the verge of clinching the Eredivisie title, leading by eight points with four games remaining.
The Dutch club, who reached the Europa League quarter-finals this season, are said to be desperate to keep Slot around. They are expected to offer their manager improved terms while providing him with reinforcements ahead of a Champions League campaign.
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Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is another name to have been linked. However, according to The Telegraph, questions over the club's next sporting director - after Fabio Paratici's resignation - have case doubt on that move.
Should Xabi Alonso leave Leverkusen for Spurs? Have your say in the comments section
Xabi Alonso has been turning heads with his Bayer Leverkusen team (AFP via Getty Images)Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last nine games, winning six and drawing three. They look like falling short of a Champions League spot, in part due to taking just five points from their first eight under Alonso's predecessor Gerardo Seoane, but they could still qualify for the competition if they go all the way in Europe.
The Bundesliga side dropped into the Europa League after finishing third in their group behind Porto and Club Brugge. However, they have reached the final four after getting past Monaco, Ferencvaros and Union SG, and can book their spot in the final in Budapest if they overcome Roma over two legs.
Spurs, meanwhile, have all but waved goodbye to their own top-four hopes after defeats to Newcastle and Liverpool in their last two league games. They have conceded 17 times in six games since Conte's exit, and haven't kept a clean sheet since February 26.
Mason showed his frustration after the loss at Anfield, with the Englishman believing Diogo Jota shouldn't have been on the field to score the winner after a high challenge on Oliver Skipp earlier in the game. "I'd like an explanation why it wasn't a red card," Spurs' interim boss said.
"It was an instant red card. When you show studs, draw blood and create a gash, it ticks all the boxes. Listen, it's decided the game because that player shouldn't have been on the pitch."
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