Europa League-winning manager Rafa Benitez or Swansea boss Michael Laudrup could be considered as candidates to take over at Real Madrid should Los Blancos fail to land Carlo Ancelotti, according to a top Spanish journalist.
Guillem Balague used his Sulia blog to reveal tentative contact has been made with the two managers about their availability and interest in the job at the Bernabeu.
Los Merengues are on the search for a new manager as Jose Mourinho is widely reported to be leaving his three-year stay in the Spanish capital and head back to Chelsea, who he managed between 2004 and 2007.
Both managers have enhanced their reputations this season, with Benitez guiding Chelsea to success in Europe and qualification for next season’s Champion League despite being unpopular with the fans and British media. Laudrup, meanwhile, led unfancied Swansea City to glory in the Carling Cup at Wembley in February.
I would sign Laudrup, he is a very good coach, he is talented, he knows the club,… He is got everything Real Madrid needs.