• 1). Massimiliano Allegri - the Italian is being heavily linked with a host of top-level jobs, not least the soon-to-be-vacant seat at Real Madrid and the likely-to-be-vacant role at Juventus. A duel scudetto winner with both AC Milan and Juve, Allegri's credentials stack up against the best in Europe but he has not coached since stepping down from the latter in 2019. EPA
    1). Massimiliano Allegri - the Italian is being heavily linked with a host of top-level jobs, not least the soon-to-be-vacant seat at Real Madrid and the likely-to-be-vacant role at Juventus. A duel scudetto winner with both AC Milan and Juve, Allegri's credentials stack up against the best in Europe but he has not coached since stepping down from the latter in 2019. EPA
  • 2. Raul - one of Madrid's favourite sons and greatest ever players, the Spaniard, 43, would be a hugely popular choice to replace former teammate Zidane. Has been cutting his teeth in coaching at Real's youth teams, with Castilla on the cusp of promotion to Segunda Division. AP Photo
    2. Raul - one of Madrid's favourite sons and greatest ever players, the Spaniard, 43, would be a hugely popular choice to replace former teammate Zidane. Has been cutting his teeth in coaching at Real's youth teams, with Castilla on the cusp of promotion to Segunda Division. AP Photo
  • 3. Joachim Low - one of international football's most successful managers, Low's reputation is in danger of taking another hammer blow should Germany tank at this summer's delayed European Championship. One thing that might count against him is an underwhelming CV in club management, with his last assignment in charge of Austria Vienna in 2004. AFP
    3. Joachim Low - one of international football's most successful managers, Low's reputation is in danger of taking another hammer blow should Germany tank at this summer's delayed European Championship. One thing that might count against him is an underwhelming CV in club management, with his last assignment in charge of Austria Vienna in 2004. AFP
  • 4. Antonio Conte - the Italian's stock could not be higher after guiding Inter Milan to a first Serie A title in 11 years. But behind the scenes things are far from clear, with the club's Chinese backers having already folded last season's Chinese champions Jiangsu FC due to a lack of funds. Reports are that Inter are failing to make good on payments for big signings like Romelu Lukaku. If the situation remains the same, Conte may well seek pastures new. AFP
    4. Antonio Conte - the Italian's stock could not be higher after guiding Inter Milan to a first Serie A title in 11 years. But behind the scenes things are far from clear, with the club's Chinese backers having already folded last season's Chinese champions Jiangsu FC due to a lack of funds. Reports are that Inter are failing to make good on payments for big signings like Romelu Lukaku. If the situation remains the same, Conte may well seek pastures new. AFP
  • 5. Mauricio Pochettino - the Argentine is facing the real prospect of being one of the few managers who fails to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a Ligue 1 title. While Pochettino has stated he could never take charge of Barcelona owing to his Espanyol connections, it is not thought the same would apply should Real come calling. Getty Images
    5. Mauricio Pochettino - the Argentine is facing the real prospect of being one of the few managers who fails to lead Paris Saint-Germain to a Ligue 1 title. While Pochettino has stated he could never take charge of Barcelona owing to his Espanyol connections, it is not thought the same would apply should Real come calling. Getty Images

Zinedine Zidane reported to be leaving Real Madrid - 5 who could replace the Frenchman


Steve Luckings
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Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as favourite to take charge of Real Madrid next season after Zinedine Zidane reportedly told his players he will leave the Spanish club at the end of the season.

Allegri, 53, has not coached since stepping down as Juventus boss at the end of the 2018/19 season after guiding the Old Lady to a fifth straight scudetto under his command

The Italian, who also guided AC Milan to the 2011 Serie A crown, is also being linked with his old job at Juve with Andrea Pirlo reportedly fighting to save his job.

Also in the running to replace Zidane is club legend Raul, who has been cutting his coaching teeth at Madrid's youth teams.

Above is a photo gallery of five candidates who could replace Zidane should the Frenchman step down.