Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso remains silent over Real Madrid rumours

Instead, the Spaniard sidestepped the speculation, keeping his focus firmly on the here and now. "I'm zoned in on this season," Alonso said. "We're at a crucial stage, and we're not here to guess about the future. It's all about the football for us."

With his contract running until 2026, the rumour mill had been buzzing, especially in Germany, where pundits reckoned he might spill the beans on his plans for next term.

But the Basque boss wasn't having it. "I'm concentrating on this campaign, nothing else," he added, brushing off the chatter like a seasoned pro.

Real Madrid, in particular, will have to bide their time if they're eyeing Alonso's services. The Spanish giants have long been linked with their former midfield maestro, but he's given them no encouragement yet.

Before Leverkusen's thrilling 4-3 win over Stuttgart earlier this month, Alonso had already hinted he wasn't in a rush to decide his future. "There was nothing to settle," he said post-match. "We're not looking too far ahead—just taking it game by game."

The clock's ticking for Real Madrid, though. Their current boss, Carlo Ancelotti, sees his deal run out in just under a year, leaving the club with a big call to make about who'll steer the ship next.

Alonso, who wore the famous number 14 shirt during his playing days at the Bernabeu, remains a prime candidate should Ancelotti move on.

For now, though, the Whites will need to stay patient, at least until Leverkusen's season wraps up.

Time will tell where Alonso's dugout destiny lies.