Manchester City took a huge step towards the Carabao Cup final by beating holders Newcastle United 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday night.
Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki earned the Citizens an important first leg victory at St. James’ Park, with the second leg scheduled to take place in February.
Next up for City is a Manchester derby against Manchester United on Saturday, with the Red Devils set to have caretaker head coach Michael Carrick in charge following his appointment on Tuesday.
In the meantime, it has emerged that City are keeping tabs on one of Europe’s most highly-rated managers.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester City are one of three huge European clubs monitoring Xabi Alonso’s situation following his departure from Real Madrid.
The Spaniard left his role with Real on Monday evening, just hours after his side lost 3-2 against fierce rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Alonso is without a club after leaving Real Madrid on Monday (Photo: PA Images/Alamy)
Alonso had joined Real ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title in 2024.
The Spaniard made more than 230 appearances for Real Madrid during his playing career, but his time with the club as manager did not go to plan.
In total he won just 24 of his 34 matches in charge of Real, including only 14 of their 19 games in La Liga.
Alonso leaves Real second in the Spanish top flight table, four points behind reigning champions Barcelona who also defeated his side in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.
It is claimed that both Manchester City and Liverpool are monitoring Alonso’s situation, while German champions Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on his next steps.