Currently the biggest name manager out of a job, Antonio Conte would be the obvious choice to take the reins at Real Madrid. Conte has conquered Serie A and the Premier League, winning league titles at both Juventus and Chelsea.
His favoured 3-4-3 formation could suit Los Blancos, given the presence of wing-backs like Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola, as well as so many attacking options.
However, although Conte is available after leaving Chelsea, it is unknown whether he is ready to take up a new job as he is currently in a legal battle with his former employees. He also has a preference to return to Italy for his next job.
2. JOACHIM LOW
Joachim Low has always been a name thrown around whenever the Real Madrid position has become available and it has never looked more likely to happen.
Low endured an awful World Cup as Germany were dumped out in the first round. This poor form has continued in the Nations League after back-to-back losses to Netherlands and France, leaving the Germans bottom of their group.
After 12 years in the job, suddenly he is at risk of the sack. Now may be the time for him to step down if Madrid come calling.
The coach has shown time and time again that he is able to get the best out of Toni Kroos so teaming up with him at the Bernabeu may be of interest to both parties. A World Cup winner, Low is one of the biggest names that Madrid could bring in but he is relatively unproven at club level.
3. ARSEN WENGER
The former Arsenal boss has spoken time and again about how he turned down the biggest clubs in the world in order to stay loyal to Arsenal.
The Frenchman finally is free to speak to who he wants to and Real Madrid would certainly interest him as he supported their golden team of the 1950s whilst growing up as a child.
The Champions League is the one trophy that has always eluded Wenger, another reason why he would be interested given they have won three European Cups on the bounce.
Wenger’s age and a poor end to his time at Arsenal could be a sticking point though. Now aged 68, Wenger may not be a viable option if Madrid want a manager who will be able to oversee the development of the next crop of players.
4. MAURICIO POCHETTINO
Mauricio Pochettino has consistently been linked to the biggest jobs in the world over recent seasons and for good reason. The Argentine has transformed Spurs into one of the best and most attractive teams in England, all while on a shoestring budget.
The lack of investment at Spurs will surely frustrate the Argentine and at Madrid he would have a huge amount to spend. The obvious move to make would be for his star man in north London, Harry Kane. Madrid have struggled to replace Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals and if Pochettino came in that would be an added incentive for the World Cup Golden Boot winner to make the move away from Tottenham.
The Spurs boss has made it no secret that he would be interested in taking the job, telling the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial: “When Real Madrid call you, you have to listen to them.”