Rumours that Carlo Ancelotti is to leave Real Madrid this summer are growing. The Italian is being tipped to take over the Brazil national team.

The Brazilian FA’s president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, isn’t shying away from links with Ancelotti: “He’s the preferred choice of the players and the fans.”

Madrid bosses are busy looking at potential replacements. Their shortlist features two former Bernabéu stars and two coaches from abroad.

Xabi Alonso is thought to be Madrid’s favoured option. He has taken Bayer Leverkusen from the Bundesliga drop zone to within three points of Europe.

Per Cadena SER, Florentino Pérez is mightily impressed by the job Alonso has done. The ex-midfielder began his coaching career in Madrid’s academy.

Alonso won’t be drawn on links with Madrid: “It’s very difficult to talk about rumours - I have a lot of affection for Carlo. Hopefully he'll win the UCL.”

Madrid president Pérez is also eyeing Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine is a coach that Los Blancos have long admired - and is available right now.

Club great Raúl is in the running, too. Were he appointed, he’d emulate Zinedine Zidane in being promoted from ‘B’-team boss to the top job.

Raúl has excelled as coach of Castilla, who are in the race to go up to the Spanish second tier. He’s rejected several offers from other clubs.

The final option on Madrid’s list of potentials is Julian Nagelsmann, who has been fired by Bayern after enduring a tense relationship with his squad.

He’s turned Madrid down in the past, but could take the job if approached again: “If they call me in the future, perhaps they’ll get a different answer.”