Real Madrid have reportedly highlighted former manager Jose Mourinho as a potential successor to Carlo Ancelotti should he leave the club at the end of the season.
The Portuguese arrived at the Bernabeu in the summer of 2010 following a Champions League triumph with Italian giants Inter Milan, and the now 60-year-old enjoyed a three-year spell in Madrid.
Mourinho guided Los Blancos to the 2011-12 La Liga title with a record-breaking number of points ahead of fierce rivals Barcelona, while also winning the Copa del Rey during his first season in charge.
Leaving in rather-unceremonious fashion in June 2013 in order to secure a switch back the Premier League at Chelsea, the two-time Champions League winner departed Real having won 128 of his 178 matches at the helm.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho could be set for a return to the Bernabeu in the near future, as the Spanish giants could be on the hunt for a new head coach.
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With current boss Ancelotti's contract at the club expiring at the conclusion of the 2023-24 term, Real are currently exploring other options should the Italian depart.
The report claims that Ancelotti would extend his stay in Madrid if he was offered a renewal on his deal, however it is not known whether the 13-time European champions will push for such an agreement.
Ancelotti has been heavily linked with taking charge of the Brazil national team in 2024, although he is yet to commit his future to the South American powerhouses.
It is understood that Mourinho is on a shortlist of managers who Los Blancos are considering for a place in their dugout should Ancelotti depart in the summer.
The 60-year-old is currently in charge of Serie A side Roma, however with the Portuguese's contract at Stadio Olimpico expiring at the end of this season, he is not expected to lead the club into the 2024-25 term.
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Former players Zinedine Zidane and Xabi Alonso are also said to be options for Real, with the latter impressing during his first spell as a first-team coach at Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
Sitting top of the German top flight after an unbeaten start to the campaign, Alonso will be looking to help Leverkusen to battle for their first-ever Bundesliga crown.
Mourinho's Roma have endured a challenging start to their campaign and currently occupy 10th position in Serie A, already 10 points behind first-placed AC Milan.
Real Madrid and Ancelotti have commenced their term brightly despite losing Karim Benzema to the riches of the Saudi Pro League in the summer, collecting 24 points from a possible 27 so far in La Liga.
Carter White
