Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will join Xabi Alonso on the Real Madrid shortlist to replace Carlo Ancelotti, should the Italian leave this summer.
Mail Sport understands contingency plans in the event of Ancelotti going now include Iraola, who is represented by the same Spanish agency as Alonso.
There were reports in Spain this week of Ancelotti being ready to walk away at the end of the season, subsequently played down by the 65-year-old.
But while the manager’s future is uncertain, Bernabeu chiefs will devise a succession strategy.
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso has long been the favourite to replace Ancelotti.