Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s preferred manager to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the club has been revealed.

Real Madrid could be set to begin their search for a new manager in the coming months should Ancelotti leave his role at the end of the season.

Ancelotti’s future at Santiago Bernabeu is far from certain after an underwhelming season so far for Real Madrid, where they could end up with just two trophies following a disappointing domestic campaign.

The Italian, although he could decide to leave Real Madrid on his own terms anyway, has been linked with the Brazil national team job in recent weeks.

If Ancelotti does depart Real Madrid, several names have been rumoured with taking over the La Liga champions.

According to Sport, one of those linked is Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder who is currently the manager of Bayer Leverkusen.

The report added that Alonso could be set for a return to Madrid as Perez has identified him as his first choice to take over from Ancelotti.

Alonso, who previously played for Liverpool, could now take the next step in his managerial career by taking charge of Real Madrid.