Xavi emerges as shock contender for top European job this summer as reigning champions make contact with Barcelona legend ahead of highly-rated manager's exit

According to a report from German outlet Kicker, Xavi has emerged as a shock candidate for the Leverkusen head coach role, which is expected to be left vacant following the potential departure of Alonso, who in turn is heavily tipped to join Real Madrid ahead of next season.

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Brazilian national team, with media reports stating that the Italian will leave the Madrid dugout after this season ends in late May. Alonso has been the priority for Los Blancos as Ancelotti's successor, and it seems that the Spaniard is set to reunite with his former club, this time as a manager.

Xavi has now emerged as a strong candidate for Die Werkself, with his tactical approach, international pedigree and fluent English seen as key assets. Sources close to the situation confirm that initial contact has been made with the Catalan coach and, significantly, no negative response has been received from his camp, indicating a potential openness to discussions.

Xavi is not the only candidate on Leverkusen's radar. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the reigning Bundesliga champions consider former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to be a 'serious candidate' for the job, although concrete talks have not yet taken place between the two parties.

Leverkusen fans will be hoping that Alonso can guide his side to a strong finish this season. Leverkusen are currently eight points behind league leaders Bayern Munich with just three games to go, which means that they are all but confirmed to return the domestic throne to their rivals from Bavaria. In their next game, which will be played on Sunday, May 4, Leverkusen will take on Freiburg.