Xabi Alonso has emerged as the prime contender to take over at Chelsea. The Spaniard has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid in January, but is ready to take on his next challenge.  Chelsea have placed him at the top of their shortlist and want to make their appointment before the World Cup kicks off in mid-June.

Calum McFarlane has revealed the conversation he has had with incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, and the confirmed the players’ reaction to the appointment.

Alonso previously managed Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in Germany, before he cut a tumultuous time at Real Madrid short by leaving just over half a year into his time at his former ...