According to Bild, Cesc Fàbregas has informed his current club, Italian side Como, that if he departs, it will be to succeed Xabi Alonso as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

Following the confirmation that Xabi Alonso will be stepping down as Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach at the end of the season, the Bundesliga club are now in search of a replacement.

The frontrunner for the role appears to be former Spain international Cesc Fàbregas, who is the current coach of Italian side Como.

According to Bild, the 38-year-old has decided that if he leaves Como, it will be to take up the position at Leverkusen.

He has already informed his current club that he is not considering a move to any other Serie A side, according to the German tabloid. The report further suggests that Leverkusen is optimistic about hiring Fàbregas, though the deal has yet to be finalized.

Fàbregas, who is also a part-owner of Como, has a special connection with the club. However, following a 3-1 win over Cagliari last weekend, he seemed to hint at a potential summer departure, telling fans, “Whatever happens, I will always be grateful to Como,” and expressing his desire to leave behind a “legacy.”

Reports from Italy have previously suggested that negotiations between Bayer 04 and Fàbregas on a three-year contract are well advanced.