New manager for Como and Dele Alli? Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas emerges as top target for Bundesliga high-flyers

Stuttgart are bracing for the potential departure of Hoeness in the summer as the 42-year-old coach continues to impress with Die Schwaben. They currently sit fifth in the Bundesliga standings, one point shy of the Champions League-paying spots. Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are all said to be interested in signing Hoeness.

German publication BILD have reported that Stuggart are already drawing up a shortlist of coaches to succeed Hoeness if the 42-year-old leaves in the summer. The report has suggested that Fabregas is atop Die Schwaben's list as the Como boss, who signed Dele Alli this winter, has impressed with the Serie A newcomers at they sit 15th in the league standings in their first season in the top flight.

Fabregas has a contract with Como until the summer of 2028 and if Stuttgart want to sign the former Barcelona midfielder, they will have to cough up a contract termination fee. However, this not be a problem as they will receive close to €6 million (£5m/6.2m) if a club breaks Hoeness' deal with Stuttgart.

Como are looking to continue their fight to stay in Serie A for another season at the least and Fabregas will lead his side next when they take on Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Friday, February 7.