Zinedine Zidane's third stint as Real Madrid manager? Legendary midfielder reveals if he would make another Santiago Bernabeu return

Ancelotti's future is under the microscope, after their fifth defeat of the season. They are second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, and are also sitting 24th in the Champions League, the final position from which a team can reach the knockout play-off rounds. Ancelotti has already said that he feels the media are being unfair to him, but the introduction of Kylian Mbappe to Los Blancos' squad has seemingly thrown the balance off within the team.

Now, Cadena SER reports that Raul, Solari, and Zidane are viewed as potential candidates to replace Ancelotti if Real did take the decision to sack the Italian. They would like to appoint Xabi Alonso in 2025, but Zidane is unwilling to step in with a contract until the end of the season; he is one of Real's most successful managers ever, winning the Champions League three times, as well as La Liga twice.

Real are unsure of appointing sporting director Solari, as it would send a clear message that they expect to appoint Alonso in the summer. Raul could also be given the chance to step up from Castilla, but it would be difficult for the club to appoint Alonso over the top of him if he succeeds in the role.

Real play Girona on Saturday, before a Champions League trip to Italy to face Atalanta.