Derby County are reportedly considering Paul Clement as a replacement for current head coach Steve McClaren.
The Rams boss is said to be one of Newcastle United's main choices to replace caretaker boss John Carver ahead of next season.
Clement, who is yet to take up a managerial position in his career, is currently Carlo Ancelotti's assistant at Real Madrid.
The 42-year-old also held the same position alongside the Italian at previous club Paris Saint-Germain, in addition to working with him at Chelsea.
Derby, who could clinch promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs this season, have begun the process of identifying candidates for McClaren's job should the former England boss decide to leave the iPro Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail, Clement is aware of Derby's interest and the Championship club will make formal contact with Real once McClaren's future is settled.
Derby are currently fifth in the Championship with two games of the regular season left to play.
Steven Toplis
