Chelsea Pursue Alonso as BlueCo Narrows Manager Hunt to Three Targets

Chelsea are set to make a move for Xabi Alonso as part of their managerial search, with BlueCo having drawn up a shortlist of three leading candidates to replace Liam Rosenior.

Rosenior's tenure at Stamford Bridge lasted just 106 days following his appointment to succeed Enzo Maresca, who departed by mutual agreement in January. The Spanish tactician, recently dismissed by Real Madrid after 34 games in charge, now finds himself in the frame for the Chelsea job.

BlueCo's decision-makers have committed to a measured approach during what they've termed a "period of self-reflection" as they deliberate over their next permanent appointment. Calum McFarlane has taken the reins as interim boss for a second spell this season and guided the Blues to the FA Cup final with Sunday's victory over Leeds.

Andoni Iraola has emerged as a prominent candidate for the role, with the Bournemouth manager set to become available at campaign's end after deciding to leave the south-coast club. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard is "keen" on the Chelsea opportunity and would relish the prospect of continuing his Premier League career.

"Iraola would be more than happy to continue in the Premier League," Romano stated. "Iraola would be keen on the possibility of becoming the new Chelsea manager. But, at the moment, Chelsea are still in the early stages. They want to take their time and decide who the ideal candidate is. There is still nothing advanced or done with Iraola."

Recent reports have positioned Iraola as the frontrunner, with Chelsea's hierarchy having already made contact with his representatives. However, the Telegraph's Matt Law has confirmed that the Blues are also conducting checks on Marco Silva, whose contract at Fulham expires this summer with negotiations over fresh terms having stalled.

Both Iraola and Alonso share the same representation, a detail that could prove significant in Chelsea's pursuit of either candidate.

Chelsea's sporting directors are leading the process and will present their findings and recommendations to the club's owners. Co-owner Behdad Eghbali attended Sunday's FA Cup semi-final triumph at Leeds.

The club has indicated that initial contact with representatives will be made to gauge each candidate's intentions and ambitions, with this groundwork determining whether any progress towards more serious negotiations materialises. Additional unnamed candidates remain under consideration as BlueCo casts a wider net in their search for the right fit.