ERIK TEN HAG is in advanced talks to replace Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen manager, according to reports.
Ten Hag, who has been without a job since he was sacked as Manchester United boss in October, has reportedly been lined up to replace Real Madrid-bound Alonso.
German outlet Kicker report that Ten Hag has already been lined up to replace Alonso, who looks set to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti has been linked with a switch to international management with a deal reportedly agreed with the Brazilian national side for a 12 month contract.
While Alonso’s impressive reign at Leverkusen have made him a top target for Madrid – where he spent five years as a player.
Alonso, who led Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga title last year, is thought to be as good as gone by the German side’s hierarchy.
As such, Leverkusen have reportedly already identified Erik ten Hag as their next manager.
Leverkusen, who are second in the Bundesliga this season, are claimed to already be in “advanced” talks with Ten Hag – if not already in agreement with the Dutch manager.
Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October despite winning both the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons as Red Devils boss.
The 55-year-old was axed while United were languishing in 14th place in the Premier League – the exact same position they hold some six months later.
Speaking in February, Ten Hag revealed he “didn’t know” what the next step in his career would be.
He told SEG Stories: “I don’t know how my career will develop. But I’m going to try my best.
“Provided something comes along that suits me. There are so many other things I could do.
“Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.
“I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather: they have their own company.
“But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do.
“I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun.”
MORE TO FOLLOW…
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Read the full article here
