Real Madrid Reach Agreement With Xabi Alonso to Replace Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid's move to hire former Barcelona player Xabi Alonso as its new manager has reached an advanced stage. As the club has secured an agreement with the former Bayer Leverkusen manager, he will replace the former manager Carlo Ancelotti at Los Blancos.

Ancelotti has been linked to a potential move to the Brazil national team. Madrid are also considering parting ways with the Italian manager. The club was eliminated from the Champions League by Barcelona in the quarter-final, and again, the side is in the trail as Barcelona lead La Liga to secure the league title. 

The Brazilian FA is understood to have reached an advanced negotiation with the Italian manager, 65. He is reportedly set to prepare his "preliminary list of players" for the country's game against Ecuador upon resuming office next week. 

"He will meet with CBF officials to finalise the preliminary list of players called up for the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay next month," said the Brazil FA. "On the 26th, in Brazil, the coach will announce the final squad."

Meanwhile, Alonso is understood to have agreed to a three-year contract that will last until 2028. However,  the Spanish manager reportedly will resume work before the FIFA Club World Cup.