Como keep hold of Cesc Fabregas! Dele Alli's side turn down Bayer Leverkusen approach as Bundesliga outfit eye replacement for Xabi Alonso

After serving as assistant manager as Como won Serie B in 2023-24, former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas stepped in as head coach last summer and is close to securing a top-half finish at the first time of asking in Serie A.

Their impressive form under the Spaniard has sparked interest from Leverkusen, who will see Xabi Alonso leave at the end of the season, but Skyin Italy reports Fabregas has agreed to stay at his current club, who informed the German team of his decision.

Leverkusen are not the first team to approach Como about Fabregas. RB Leipzig and Roma had previously contacted the 38-year-old, Sky reports. Instead, he is expected to see his salary increase following Como's impressive campaign, though it is uncertain if he will sign an extension to his contract, which runs until 2028.

Como are on a six-game winning run and sit 10th in the league heading into this weekend's match against Hellas Verona.