Alonso is widely regarded as one of the exciting new managerial talents in world football despite a short, unsuccessful and drama-filled spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid, which ended by mutual consent in January.

Alonso, 44, visited London early last week and has accepted the opportunity.

Chelsea are on the verge of appointing Xabi Alonso after reaching an agreement in principle with the Spaniard to become their new head coach

Contratto fino al 2030, rilancio dopo stagione deludente