Xabi Alonso has been tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid coach from next season, according to reports in Spain.
The Liverpool legend has been a first-team manager for less than a year after taking over Bayer Leverkusen last October, after managing Real Sociedad B team for three years.
According to Radio MARCA, Real's hierarchy aren't concerned by Alonso's lack of managerial experience and have made the 41-year-old their preferred choice to become Ancelotti's successor.
A two-time European champion with Spain, Alonso spent six seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu as a player, winning LaLiga in 2012 and then the Champions League two years later during Ancelotti's first spell at the club.