Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have on Wednesday forwarded a message of gratitude to their counterparts at Real Madrid.This comes after Xabi Alonso’s squad were given permission to train at

Xabi Alonso has said he's "very calm" despite being linked to taking charge at Real Madrid, with speculation over the future of Carlo Ancelotti.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has ducked questions about a move to Real Madrid at season's end. Xabi is being mentioned as Carlo Ancelotti's successor at Real. Ahead of Bayer 's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Xabi was asked by Spanish reporters about the Real rumours.

Victor Boniface is reportedly set to become one of the highest-paid players at Bayer Leverkusen as the German club kickstarts negotiations for a new deal.

At a press conference on Monday, Xabi Alonso was asked about the speculation and made no secret of the special relationship he has with Real Madrid, who he represented as a player. "Time passes, but the affection remains. My bond with Real is strong, that's clear, but my focus is now on Bayer Leverkusen ," Xabi Alonso said, adding:

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has finally responded to growing speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job. Rumors suggest that current boss Carlo Ancelotti may step down earlier than expected.

Xabi Alonso has identified Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz as his top transfer target should he become the new Real Madrid manager.

Now, as reports heighten regarding Ancelotti’s potential departure this summer, rumours speculating Alonso as the Italian’s natural heir have also increased, especially with Leverkusen’s upcoming match against Los Blancos’ bitter rivals Atlético de Madrid.