Four-year deal: Chelsea turn to Alonso to revive club’s flagging fortunes

Xabi Alonso is the new manager of Chelsea (Peter Byrne/PA).

Xabi Alonso has signed a four-year deal to become Chelsea’s new manager and will begin work on July 1.

An agreement for the former Real Madrid boss to replace Liam Rosenior was reached by late on Saturday and the club have confirmed the appointment in the wake of their defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.