27 September 2023 , 14:59
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Real Madrid are weighing up a swoop for Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi as they consider successors to Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian's second spell at the Bernabeu will end in 2024, when the current campaign draws to a close. Ancelotti has been at Los Blancos for the past two years, leading them to the Champions League in 2022, but will soon part company with the Spanish giants.
Real are now eyeing up their next manager and the man in the home dugout at the Amex is on their radar, according to Cadena SER. De Zerbi has only been in charge at Brighton for a year, following on from Graham Potter, and delivered an impressive sixth place finish last term.
De Zerbi drew particular praise for his style of football with the likes of Pep Guardiola hailing his qualities. This term Brighton have won five of their six games with the 44-year-old's stock continuing to rise, capturing the attention of Europe's most decorated outfit.
The Seagulls have shown that they will let their prized assets go for the right price with several of their leading lights on the pitch departing in recent years. Potter was also allowed to leave for Chelsea and turning down Madrid, should they make an approach, could prove challenging for De Zerbi.
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Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is currently seen as the favourite however. The Spaniard, who began his managerial career at former club Real Sociedad, took the jump to the Bundesliga last term and steered the club clear of relegation before impressing in the early part of this season.
Xabi Alonso has impressed whilst working in Germany (Getty Images)Alonso played for several years at the Bernabeu, helping them win the Champions League in 2014. He also represented Liverpool and Bayern Munich, working under the likes of Rafa Benitez, Pep Guardiola and Ancelotti.
It is the former who has already endorsed a move for Alonso, despite his relatively tender age. He said: "I had him (Alonso) as a player. He has a high-level knowledge of football, he is doing very well with Bayer Leverkusen. I wish him to be here one day, like Raúl or Arbeloa. They are people I know and I love them very much. I hope one day they can be Real Madrid coaches."
Ancelotti is tipped to take the Brazil job once he leaves the Spanish capital. The South Americans have failed to win the World Cup since 2002 and only won the Copa America once in its last five editions.