Ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag emerges as 'serious candidate' for Bayer Leverkusen job as Xabi Alonso edges closer to joining Real Madrid

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg states that Ten Hag is a 'serious candidate' at Leverkusen but they have not held concrete talks with the Dutchman. They have, however, 'gathered information' on the 55-year-old, as the German giants await a decision on Alonso's next move amid interest from Madrid.

Ten Hag's tenure at United, which ended last October, may be looking more favourable by the day as Ruben Amorim struggles to get a tune out of the Premier League giants. Leverkusen may be an ideal next move for the former Ajax boss but Kicker reports that he and ex-Barcelona manager Xavi are 'hot candidates' for the role.

Kicker adds that Ten Hag may have an advantage in this job pursuit as he speaks German after spending time as a coach at Bayern Munich earlier in his career. They state he is the Bundesliga side's number one candidate.

All eyes will be on whether Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti leaves the La Liga outfit for the Brazil national team post, paving the way for Alonso to replace him and potentially for Ten Hag to come back into management.