Erik ten Hag is nearly back! Ex-Man Utd manager to become Bayer Leverkusen boss IF Cesc Fabregas remains at Como

Per Florian Plettenberg, Leverkusen are locked in negotiations with Como over a deal to appoint Fabregas as Xabi Alonso's successor. However, the Serie A club are reticent to let the ex-Arsenal midfielder leave, and as a result, the Bundesliga club have shortlisted Ten Hag as their second-choice.

The Dutchman has been out of a job since leaving United in October, as the club had won just three of their opening nine games. Their form since, however, has perhaps strengthened Ten Hag's argument that he was not the only problem at Old Trafford; they are currently 16th under successor Ruben Amorim. Leverkusen won the Bundesliga under Alonso, and managing director of sport Simon Rolfes has confirmed that they are yet to rule out a candidate, despite Como's wishes to keep Fabregas.

Rolfes told Sky: "No candidate has turned us down at any point in the process. I believe we will wrap this up in May and that we’re in the final stages. It will definitely happen in May."

Leverkusen will aim to finalise the appointment of a new manager shortly. Whether it is Fabregas or Ten Hag remains to be seen.