Chelsea are ready to accelerate their pursuit of leading managerial target Xabi Alonso after Saturday's FA Cup final, a report has revealed.
It emerged earlier this week that both the club hierarchy and the playing squad have made it clear that Alonso is their preferred target to replace Liam Rosenior. The Blues are keen to get a deal over the line before the World Cup.
The Telegraph reports that Chelsea will switch their focus to getting a deal for Alonso as soon as the FA Cup final concludes. A deal could be struck within days of Saturday's showpiece fixture.
Talks have already been held between Chelsea and Alonso to discuss each party's respective vision for the role. The club are ready to give their new manager a greater involvement in recruitment compared to those before him.
Alonso, should he accept Chelsea's offer, will get the chance to give his input in pursuit of a handful of ready-made players, rather than accept an ongoing string of inexperienced youngsters.