REAL MADRID have reportedly decided on who they want to appoint Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian is under contract until 2026 and looks set to step aside when his deal expires.
Ancelotti has been a big success in his two spells at the Bernabeu, having won La Liga twice and the Champions League on three occasions.
Real have been eyeing his successor and have settled on Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, according to Sport via Bild.
The Liverpool legend is highly sought-after having led Bayer Leverkusen to Bundelsiga glory last season without losing a game.
He turned down a chance to return to Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp but it now appears he will not stay at Leverkusen for long.
Alonso’s contract also expires in the summer of 2026 but it is understood he could leave next summer, should Ancelotti decide to quit.
Leverkusen have been searching for Alonso’s replacement with his departure a matter of when, not if.
Alonso still has a home in Madrid having played for Real Madrid between 2009-2014.
Meanwhile Ancelotti has hinted at international management when he steps down from Real.
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He has been heavily linked with the Brazil job with the President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, saying last year that Ancelotti was an obvious choice for the role.
Ancelotti told the Obi One Podcast: “I think it will be my last club, I have to say.
“If there would be an opportunity for a national team, I don’t know.
“I’m not so excited to be in a national team for the fact that I would lose what I like more, the day-by-day.
“The day-by-day I like. To be here, to prepare the training, to talk to the players, to prepare the games.
“This is my 29th season as a coach. It’s true that I have won a lot but imagine the number of titles I lost. I lost a lot.”
.jpg?resize=300,300&ssl=1 "Stars who couldn't quit: Barça's Szczesny the latest player to come out of retirement")
