David Ornstein confirms Florentino Perez's unthinkable no.1 target for next Real Madrid manager

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has selected his top target to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as manager and nobody would have seen it coming.

Just three months after former manager Xabi Alonso left his position as Real Madrid manager, the Spanish side are now looking for a new manager.

Since succeeding Alonso in January, current Real Madrid manager Arbeloa has failed to impress and is expected to be dismissed at the end of the season.

Several big names have been linked with the job at the Bernabeu, including former Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp, with Real Madrid President Perez reportedly personally involved in the decision.

And it appears Perez has made his decision, as David Ornstein has revealed that Perez has instead selected a different Premier League legend, Jose Mourinho.

Reported in The Athletic, unlike previous managerial appointments, the decision on who will become Madrid’s next coach is being driven by Perez.

This is great news for Mourinho as the Real Madrid president is said to be eager to bring him back to the Bernabeu, despite other officials in the club opposing the idea.

Between 2010 and 2013 Mourinho led Real Madrid to three trophies, including the 2011-12 La Liga title, setting a new record points total in the process.

Perez is also believed to be eager to see Mourinho lift a Champions League trophy with Real Madrid, the only major accolade he failed to do in his previous spell.

The 63-year-old is currently managing Portuguese side Benfica, having joined in September in a contract until June 2027.

However, the report claims that his deal agreement includes a break clause in the region of €3million (£2.6m), allowing either Mourinho or Benfica to break the deal up to 10 days after the final match of this season.

Benfica play their final match against G.D. Estoril Praia on May 16, meaning Mourinho's departure would have to take place sometime between May 6 and May 26.

It remains unclear how Mourinho being appointed would go down with Real Madrid fans following his divisive time at the club, with his relationship with then-captain Iker Casillas causing frustrations among fans and the media.

But, despite having Perez's backing, it is far from certain that Mourinho will secure the job, with Mauricio Pochettino and Didier Deschamps also in the running after Klopp ruled himself out of contention.