Antonio Conte's move to Real Madrid is in doubt with Santiago Solari emerging as the favourite to replace Julen Lopetegui.
The former Spain national team coach, who succeeded Zinedine Zidane just four months ago in controversial circumstances, is set to be axed following Sunday's 5-1 defeat against Barcelona which capped a miserable start to the new season.
Former Chelsea boss Conte, who has been out of work since he was sacked by the FA Cup holders back in August, had been linked with a move to the Bernabeu but his hopes have hit a snag, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Conte's spell at Stamford Bridge was ultimately undermined by a series of arguments with Chelsea's board, primarily over his involvement in transfer negotiations and after reportedly making a number of demands should be appointed by the Spanish giants, Madrid chiefs have cooled on the idea of appointing the 49-year-old.
Solari is now emerging as a genuine candidate to take charge of the first team have earned his stripes managing the Real Madrid youth and B teams.
The former Argentina international, 42, made 131 La Liga appearances for the club during a distinguished playing career which saw him win two league titles and the Champions League.
Lupetegui, meanwhile, is said to have surprised a core of first team stars by presiding over training on Monday.
The 52-year-old, who joined the Champions League holders having been dismissed by the Spanish Football Federation on the eve of the World Cup, has presided of a disastrous run of form, culminating in Sunday's humiliating defeat.
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