Carlo Ancelotti's replacement? Real Madrid contact highly-regarded Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi over becoming next manager

According to Sport, Los Blancos consider De Zerbi as the potential successor to Ancelotti, who is touted to join the Brazilian national team next summer. De Zerbi's transformative work at Brighton, turning them into giant killers and top-six contenders, has garnered significant attention.

It has been reported that initial discussions have taken place, and Madrid believe that De Zerbi is ready for the next step in his career. The interest is fuelled by the manager's impressive track record of developing and nurturing young talents. The Spanish giants have several world-class young talents in their squad like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and the Bernabeu hierarchy trusts De Zerbi's expertise in bringing out the best from those potential superstars.

Earlier in the season, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, revealed himself as an admirer of De Zerbi and hailed the 44-year-old as one who could succeed him at the Etihad. The Spaniard even admitted that he follows De Zerbi's tactics and tries to learn from them.

Several names have been linked with Real Madrid in the recent past with Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso also among the potential candidates to replace Ancelotti. There have also been reports that Ancelotti could be offered an extension by the Spanish outfit. In the short-term, De Zerbi will remain focussed on Brighton as the Sea Gulls return to action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.