Xabi Alonso “stalling” Chelsea move in case of Liverpool opening

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.

Chelsea have reportedly already contacted Xabi Alonso on their vacant managerial job with the Blues wanting to make an appointment soon. Image Credits: Imago ImagesChelsea’s search for a new head coach has ruffled the feathers of a fair few Liverpool fans.

Widespread reports this week have asserted that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy has now made formal contact with Xabi Alonso over succeeding Liam Rosenior this summer.The former Liverpool midfielder, sacked by Real Madrid at the turn of the year, has quickly become one of the leading names on Chelsea’s shortlist as the club looks for a marquee appointment to spearhead their next project.It was suggested talks have already taken place with Alonso’s representatives, and that the 44‑year‑old is open to returning to the Premier League if the right project is put in front of him.Of course, for most Liverpool fans, it’s hardly the news they would want to hear – especially with question marks continuing to float around Arne Slot.However, there may be some hope yet for those who would want to see Alonso seated in the Anfield dugout.The i Paper’s Peter Hall has reported that Alonso is understood to be stalling on any definitive commitment to Chelsea as he waits to see whether a vacancy opens up at Anfield:“It is understood that Chelsea and Alonso’s representatives have been in contact for weeks,” he wrote“Alonso is keen to return to management so will not take too much longer to deliberate.”“But as one source puts it, he would have ‘taken the Chelsea job by now if Liverpool was not still in his thinking.'”Liverpool’s stance, however, has been that Slot will continue, with plenty of well‑placed briefings insisting the Dutchman is not in immediate jeopardy despite fan unrest and poor results. Even so, t the club, like any elite outfit, have contingency plans and will no doubt have been doing their homework on Alonso.It would open the door to a fascinating stand‑off.

Chelsea pushing to secure Alonso as soon as possible, and the Basque tactician weighing that proposal against the possibility – however uncertain – of a romantic return to Anfield if Slot’s position crumbles in the coming weeks.