Chelsea are set give in and approve a key condition of Xabi Alonso's potential move to Stamford Bridge, with talks ongoing over his appointment.

Chelsea hold talks with Xabi Alonso over manager's job

The most significant development in Chelsea's managerial search to date emerged last week when it became clear that Alonso's representatives had held direct talks with the club over a move to Stamford Bridge.

The initial signal was encouraging, with reports describing the 44-year-old as "interested" in the position, but it quickly became apparent that interest alone would not be enough.

The Spaniard made his conditions plain from the outset, demanding what sources described as "a bit more control" than Chelsea were prepared to offer at that stage.

The issue cut straight to the heart of Chelsea's structural problem.

Five managers in less than four years, a multi-layered hierarchy of sporting directors with no single decision-making voice, and a track record of undermining incumbents before they have had time to build anything meaningful.

Every elite candidate is said to have the same or similar concerns.

However, according to an update from journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are now prepared to hand Alonso more power if he were to join the club.

Chelsea give in to Xabi Alonso with talks ongoing after 'positive' update

Phillips says talks with the ex-Liverpool midfielder are continuing, and Chelsea are adapting their position to keep him in the conversation.

It is believed that Alonso has not walked away from discussions and remains open to the role, which in itself is 'positive', though significant convincing is still required.

Crucially, Chelsea have moved to offer Alonso greater control of football operations, responding directly to the demand he made in the initial talks.

Alonso has also been asking pointed questions about the club's recruitment intentions, with centre-backs a particular area of focus — a detail that suggests he is genuinely engaging with what the project could look like under his stewardship rather than simply going through the motions.

The broader picture, however, is one of a man who needs far more than verbal assurances.

Phillips makes clear that Alonso is insisting on a fundamentally different working arrangement to any of his predecessors at the club — more influence, more flexibility, and more meaningful involvement in the direction of the project from top to bottom.

There is at least one other significant development working in the club's favour.

For much of this season, Alonso had been widely expected to take the Liverpool job should it become available, with reports suggesting the former Reds midfielder viewed Anfield as his natural next destination.

That door appears to have closed, at least for now.

Arne Slot is expected to remain as Liverpool head coach next season after steering the club towards Champions League qualification, removing what many viewed as Alonso's preferred option from the equation.

Alonso is now the bookmakers' frontrunner for the Chelsea role, having moved ahead of Andoni Iraola in the market as the talks gained momentum this week.

Iraola remains a credible alternative and Crystal Palace continue to pursue him for their own vacancy, which only adds competitive pressure to Chelsea's efforts.

Whether Chelsea can reshape their structure sufficiently to satisfy Alonso remains the central question.

For now, the conversation is alive.