Erik ten Hag waiting on Cesc Fabregas as ex-Man Utd boss 'second choice' for new job

Former manager is set to become the new manager of if they're unable to appoint . Leverkusen are bidding to replace , who and is expected to join after .

Alonso, 43, enjoyed unprecedented success in his two-and-a-half years with Leverkusen, before surrendering the title to a resurgent this season. Succeeding him will be a tall order, especially with star trio Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah .

Who'll be in charge of that squad remains to be seen, as Fabregas is said to be club's preferred candidate. report that Leverkusen are still locked in talks with Como, who Fabregas became the manager of last summer following their promotion to .

With one game to go, the , and midfielder is on course to guide Como to a top-half finish, piquing the interest of clubs across Europe. As Mirror Football reported earlier this week, the Italian club are - who's also a target for - and that could force Leverkusen to turn to Ten Hag.

, the Dutchman has been patient for his next role. Ten Hag is understood to be Leverkusen's second choice, as the German giants aim to complete the process by the end of next week.

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Sporting director Simon Rolfes addressed the situation following their 2-2 draw with Mainz on Saturday. "No candidate has turned us down at any point during the entire process," he told .

Rolfes went on to say that Leverkusen are in the 'final stages' of deciding on Alonso's successor. "I believe we'll wrap this up in May," he added. "We're in the final stages now, and it will definitely happen this month."

Who would you appoint - Cesc Fabregas or Erik ten Hag? Have your say in the .

Last week, Fabregas revealed that he has spoken to other clubs but is happy to continue at Como, the club he part-owns, so long as everyone is 'aligned with his ideas.' "I talked to the club, we made progress, I am happy here," the 38-year-old said.

"I want to understand if everyone wants to continue like this and they are all aligned with my ideas. I also spoke to other clubs, I am respectful and speak to everyone. There is to be an official announcement. I am happy, we all need to be on the same page to continue together."

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