Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is emerging as a candidate at Real Madrid.
Xabi, after his success with Real Sociedad B, has just been appointed coach at Bayer.
His deal runs to 2024 and former club Real Madrid will be monitoring his progress, says ESPN.
With Real coach Carlo Ancelotti expected to remain in charge next season, there is a belief Xabi could be brought back to Madrid in 2024 to succeed the Italian.
Ancelotti's current contract runs to the end of next season.