Benitez lined up by Real Madrid

Rafael Benitez: Real Madrid line up Napoli’s ex-Liverpool manager

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has emerged as a leading candidate to become the next Real Madrid manager.

Current Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is widely expected to leave his post after this weekend’s final game of the season against Getafe.

Talks between the parties are under way, with 55-year-old Benitez’s Napoli contract due to expire next month, although no agreement has been reached.

West Ham have also made contact with the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss.

Sam Allardyce, currently preparing West Ham for Sunday’s game at Newcastle, is set for talks about his future early next week.

Benitez began his coaching career at Real Madrid B and has also managed Valladolid, Osasuna, Extremadura, Tenerife, Valencia and Inter Milan.

While at Liverpool, he famously led the side to victory in the 2005 Champions League final and also tasted success in the FA Cup and Uefa Super Cup.

In a brief spell in charge of Chelsea in the 2012-13 season, he steered the Blues to victory in the Europa League.

During his time in Italy with Napoli, he has won the Coppa Italia and led the club to the semi-finals of this season’s Europa League.