Xabi Alonso 'is Tottenham's No 1 choice to become their new manager'
After a successful season at Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool veteran Xabi Alonso has reportedly emerged as a top contender for the Tottenham Hotspur position.
After firing interim manager Cristian Stellini and appointing Ryan Mason, Spurs are now looking for a new permanent manager.
Mason, 31, oversaw both the agonizing last-second loss to Liverpool on Sunday and the 2-2 draw with Manchester United last week.
Alonso, who has guided Bayer Leverkusen to the semi-finals of the Europa League, is said to be a top candidate for the Spurs job, according to Dutch publication De Telegraaf.
The Spaniard is thought to hold an advantage over Feyenoord boss and fellow candidate Arne Slot, who has led his side to an eight-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie.
The 'number one' aim for Tottenham is Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen.
Arne Slot, the head coach of Feyenoord, is also a candidate following a successful campaign in Holland.
Ryan Mason, 31, has taken over as the team's temporary manager in place of Cristian Stellini.
They claim that Slot's lack of prior experience in "a major competition" and his current lack of awards could work against him.
Spurs are interested in Alonso because of his 'calibre' as a top midfielder in his playing days, according to De Telegraaf, although they have not yet made contact.
Leverkusen, led by the 41-year-old, is currently sixth in the Bundesliga after winning 14 of its first 30 games. He has adopted a charming manner of attacking football.
Spurs are also keen on Julian Nagelsmann but reports in The Sun claimed chairman Daniel Levy had reservations about the 35-year-old German because of his age.
However, it is not thought to be a deal-breaker and Nagelsmann remains the favourites with the bookies.
He had been the leading contender for the Chelsea job before he pulled out of the race after being spooked by the club's process and thinking he was a shoo-in for the role.
Mail Sport previously reported Spurs are exploring an interest in Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese is rated among the best emerging coaches in Europe and is on Tottenham’s radar. He has also been on Chelsea’s radar. Tottenham insist the appointment of Conte’s long-term successor is an open process with no set first-choice as it stands.
Vincent Kompany is of interest - though Burnley are keen to tie the Belgian down to a new deal.
Julian Nagelsmann remains the bookies favourite to become the next full-time Spurs manager
Mauricio Pochettino had been the preferred candidate for a number of players and the large sections of the fanbase, but appears set to become manager at Chelsea.
While Slot is 'convinced' that, given the chance, he can apply his philosophy at any Premier League club.
Feyenoord wants to keep Slot for another year and may raise his pay to do so, giving him the chance to shine with his team in the Champions League the next year to improve his chances of getting hired in England.
Slot had previously applied for the position of Leeds United's head coach, but he decided to stay in the Eredivisie rather than go to the relegation-threatened team, who are expected to hire Sam Allardyce as their new boss for the final four games of the season.
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