Real Madrid have apparently received a major boost in their efforts to lure Xabi Alonso away from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
In recent days, it has been extensively reported that the 15-time European champions will part ways with Ancelotti at the end of the season in the wake of their chastening Champions League elimination.
Los Blancos were battered 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, and they are likely to cede their La Liga crown to Barcelona given that they are seven points below La Blaugrana in the table, albeit with a game in hand.
Furthermore, Real were demolished 5-2 by Hansi Flick's side during the Supercopa de Espana final earlier this year, and they could miss out on another trophy if they lose to their El Clasico rivals in the Copa del Rey showpiece next weekend.
Real Madrid have at least clinched the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup titles this year, but only winning those two trophies would represent a season of significant under-achievement.
Leverkusen 'will not stand in Alonso's way' of Real Madrid move
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As Los Blancos prepare for the post-Ancelotti era, the red carpet is seemingly being rolled out for Leverkusen head coach Alonso to take over at the Bernabeu from the start of the 2025-26 season.
The former Real and Liverpool midfielder has remained coy on his future amid the increasing speculation, but he is only under contract with the reigning Bundesliga champions until the end of next term.
In addition, talkSPORT claims that Leverkusen will not block Alonso from joining Real Madrid if they make a move this summer, and the German giants are 'braced' for the 43-year-old's potential exit at the end of the campaign.
However, it is not clear whether Alonso could be in place at the Bernabeu in time for Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign - which begins on June 18 - or if Ancelotti will stay on for the summer tournament.
The latter will reportedly hold crunch talks with president Florentino Perez over his future following next weekend's Copa del Rey showpiece, but the expectation is that he will be bidding farewell for a second time.
The 65-year-old has won a staggering 15 major honours during his separate stints at the Bernabeu, including three Champions League titles to add to the two he clinched at AC Milan in 2003 and 2007.
Meanwhile, Alonso - 22 years Ancelotti's junior - masterminded the Bundesliga's first-ever Invincibles season with Leverkusen last year, as well as overseeing a European record 51-game unbeaten run in all tournaments.
Could Alonso bring any Leverkusen players to Real Madrid?
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When a manager moves from one club to another, speculation will inevitably swirl surrounding the players that they could also bring with them to their new stomping ground, and it will no doubt be the same for Alonso.
Florian Wirtz is of course the jewel in the Werkself crown, but Real are already blessed with an embarrassment of riches up front; it is in defence where the European champions need a significant overhaul.
A new centre-back will undoubtedly be pursued, raising the possibility of a free transfer for Jonathan Tah or a move for Piero Hincapie, who could also solve Real's left-back conundrum.
Former Barcelona youth international Alejandro Grimaldo would be a fascinating option on that side too, but Real should leave Jeremie Frimpong alone, unless Trent Alexander-Arnold's anticipated move collapses unexpectedly.
Ben Knapton
