Chelsea have decided which manager they want to ‘lead the project’ next

As the summer approaches, the race to become the permanent successor has narrowed to three primary candidates. Xabi Alonso is one of the names in the running after he departs from Real Madrid, while Bournemouth’s departing boss Andoni Iraola is another.

And Fulham’s Marco Silva completes the main shortlist, with the Portuguese boss delaying a new contract at Craven Cottage as he eyes a move to the highest level.

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Xabi Alonso is the favourite at Chelsea

According to journalist MaxFSport, Xabi Alonso is the one Chelsea would like to lead the project.

However, he is cautious but hasn’t said no yet, and Chelsea have other options if they can’t convince him.

This comes after reports claimed that Chelsea have agreed to let Alonso have more control over transfers at Stamford Bridge after talks with the Blues.

No decision is close to being made though at this point, with many options still open.

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Jamie Carragher has ruled out Xabi Alonso at Chelsea

Despite all of the positive developments involving Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher believes that the Spaniard wouldn’t dream of managing at Chelsea.

“I think you probably rule out the bottom three (Mourinho, Lampard and Conte). They’ve managed Chelsea before, so I don’t see that. I also don’t see Glasner, because he plays with a back three.

“We’ve had this conversation before. I don’t see Xabi Alonso there, because of his link as a Liverpool player and Chelsea being a big rival at the time. I might be wrong on that.”