Xabi Alonso is the 'number one choice' to become the next Spurs manager

In a surprise twist, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the 'number one candidate' to become Spurs' next permanent manager, according to reports.

The 41-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has been a revelation at Bayer Leverkusen since being appointed in October last year.

At the time, Leverkusen were languishing towards the bottom of the Bundesliga table in 17th after a dismal start to the campaign.

But now, Die Werkself sit sixth in Germany's top flight with 14 wins from a possible 30.

In fact, away from the league, Leverkusen have reached the Europa League semi-final, where they will come up against Jose Mourinho's AS Roma on May 11.

As a result of his success at the Bay Arena, Alonso has been linked with several managerial posts, including the vacant head coach role at Tottenham Hotspur.

The North London club have yet to appoint a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, who was sacked in March after his remarkable rant after their draw at Southampton.

Since the Italian's departure, his former assistant Cristian Stellini was named acting head coach, but he was dismissed after a "wholly unacceptable" performance against Newcastle.

Ryan Mason has recently taken the seemingly cursed role for the time being, although German publication De Telegraaf suggest Alonso is the frontrunner to get the job permanently.

They suggest his 'great' experience at the top with Liverpool and Real Madrid gives him an edge over Arne Slot and Julian Nagelsmann, who have also been linked.

Whether they will be able to persuade Alonso to leave in-form Leverkusen after his transformation of the club is another matter.

So what kind of manager will Spurs get if they manage to bring in the former Liverpool midfielder? Speaking to Relevo, Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong praised his boss.

“He is very understanding with the footballer and very talkative with all of us," Frimpong said.

"When he explains something, he explains it until you understand it. For example, if in training you don’t understand the reason for an exercise, spend time so that we all understand it.

"As a player, that makes you feel very comfortable, you know you can ask him things.”

He added: “You can look at our performances and see that our style has changed. He is a great coach, he came and gave us new energy, it was a fresh start. Everyone wanted to impress."

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