Ex-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is a contender to become the next Real Madrid manager, according to reports.
The Spanish giants are looking for a new boss after Xabi Alonso's shock exit on Monday.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa
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Arbeloa will already be feeling the pressure after just one game as Real Madrid managerCredit: Getty
Alvaro Arbeloa has been placed in charge for now and suffered a disastrous 3-2 defeat to second-tier minnows Albacete Balompie on Wednesday.
While Arbeloa could remain in charge until the end of the season, Madrid are already plotting a blockbuster permanent appointment.
Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been heavily linked with the role despite previously ruling out a return to management.
A third stint for Zinedine Zidane is thought to be a possibility, although he may be tempted to wait for the France job.
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And according to Sky Germany, Maresca has also been added to Madrid's managerial shortlist.
The Italian is available for hire after leaving Chelsea on New Year's Day.
He won the Conference League and the Club World Cup with the Blues in his debut season before a dramatic breakdown in relations with the board.
Maresca is not short of options - as talkSPORT understands he has already been sounded out as Pep Guardiola's successor at Manchester City should the Spaniard leave this summer.
New boss to be joined by Haaland?
It has also been claimed that Madrid president Florentino Perez still 'dreams' of bringing Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland to the Bernabeu.
Madrid were in the race to sign Haaland before his move from Borussia Dortmund to City in 2022.
It remains to be seen whether anyone can lure Haaland from his record-breaking Man City contract
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It remains to be seen whether anyone can lure Haaland from his record-breaking Man City contractCredit: Getty
They remain in contact with the 25-year-old's representatives, but know any transfer would likely be the most expensive in football history.
Haaland, who recently reached 100 Premier League goals in record time, is tied down to the Etihad until 2024 after signing an extraordinary ten-year contract.
Sky Germany claim Madrid face having to pay as much as €500million to sign Haaland.
Question marks remain over the future of Vinicius Jr, who could be sold to generate funds this summer.
The Brazil winger has been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia after a disappointing season with Madrid.