Xabi Alonso has confirmed he has spoken to Enzo Fernandez since Real Madrid denied holding interest in the Chelsea midfielder, who previously appeared to be pushing for a transfer.

Fernandez has been at the World Cup with Argentina and has not yet met face-to-face with the new Blues boss. However, he was the subject of an extraordinary statement from the Spanish giants when they shut down reports linking the 25-year-old with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

In April, Fernandez expressed an interest in Madrid amid uncertainty over his future, which led to Chelsea internally suspending him for two games under Liam Rosenior.

While his next steps remain uncertain, new Chelsea manager Alonso has revealed that contact has been made with the midfielder.

“Yes, we have spoken, but as you can understand, what we have spoken remains private,” Alonso said in his unveiling press conference at Stamford Bridge, the first one held at Chelsea’s stadium since under Mauricio Pochettino. “But yes, we have spoken.”

Alonso then confirmed he wants to keep Fernandez at the club next season.

Chelsea have already sanctioned the sale of left-back Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid—the club that sacked Alonso in January—for an initial £47.4m. On Monday afternoon, the club confirmed the £48m departure of midfielder Andrey Santos to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Another player may soon depart, as Fernandez’s compatriot Alejandro Garnacho was not present for Alonso’s first training session. Alonso confirmed that Garnacho has attracted interest from other clubs.

”The situation is that we have spoken with the sport directors and there’s an interest for him from other clubs,” he said.

“Let’s see how it develops, but hopefully it finishes in the best possible way for all the parties.”

Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has returned from his loan spell at Bayern Munich and will receive a chance to prove himself as Alonso continues to assess his squad.

“He’s joining in the tour that we are starting in Asia, and we’re looking forward to start with Nico at that time,” Alonso added.