Reports: Real Madrid identify 3-man shortlist to replace Santiago Solari

What’s the rumour?

Following Real Madrid's underwhelming performance against Barcelona on Saturday, Santiago Solari's managerial position is on the line. According to AS, the Spanish giants must clinch the Champions League trophy this season for the Argentine to remain at the helm of Real Madrid next season.

The Spanish outlet claims that the board are already considering the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Massimiliano Allegri and Joachim Löw as their three main candidates to take over the reins should Solari be shown the door.

In case you didn't know...

After Julen Lopetegui was given the sack, Santiago Solari was appointed on a permanent basis in November. However, he has found himself in the firing line following Los Blancos dismal showings in the recent El Clasicos.

The heart of the matter...

The aforementioned candidates were also rumoured to be in contention for Real Madrid's managerial position when Zinedine Zidane decided to leave the club. Nevertheless, the club's hierarchy decided on Julen Lopetegui instead.

Speaking of Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino, he has been the long-time target of Real Madrid and will evidently be Perez's favourite to take charge of the team if the club part ways with Solari. However, Daniel Levy's hard-line stance in business dealings would be a serious problem for the club in such an endeavour.

Rumour rating: 8/10

AS is a Madrid-based outlet that is known to be a reliable source in regard to Real Madrid transfer news. Moreover, it's no secret that the Spanish club is actively combing the transfer market as they look set to undergo changes aplenty this next summer.

What’s next?

Santiago Solari is expected to manage Real Madrid for the remainder of this season. Having said that, considering the present situation at Santiago Bernabeu, it is highly unlikely that he will be allowed to continue next season.