Former Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has reportedly emerged as a surprise contender to become the next manager of Real Madrid.
Madrid are searching for a new man at the helm after sacking Julen Lopetegui last month, with the European champions having lost five and won just one of their final seven games under the former Spain boss.
The likes of Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino have been linked with the vacant post, while current caretaker boss Santiago Solari has won both of his games in charge so far.
However, ESPN reports that Jardim is now under consideration less than a month after being sacked as Monaco manager following a dismal start to the season.
Monaco lost eight and won just one of their opening 12 games of the campaign across all competitions, but Jardim is still well regarded having taken the club to the Ligue 1 title and Champions League semi-finals in 2016-17.
La Liga rules dictate that Madrid must appoint a permanent successor to Lopetegui within two weeks of his dismissal, leaving them under pressure to make a decision before the deadline on Monday.
Barney Corkhill
