Raul in talks with Real Madrid over becoming new boss with Massimiliano Allegri also in running to replace Zidane
REAL MADRID legend Raul has emerged as a serious contender to replace Zinedine Zidane as manager next season, according to reports.
The Frenchman, 48, reportedly told his squad last week that he would be stepping down from the post.
Former Juventus boss Massmiliano Allegri is believed to be the 'preferred' candidate to replace Zidane at Santiago Bernabeu next term.
But claim that Madrid have also held conversations with their current boss' former team-mate Raul over the position.
The LaLiga giants wanted to find out Raul's stance on potentially taking the job, as he has emerged as a serious 'Plan B' to Allegri.
Their former No7 - who scored a stunning 323 goals for the club - has been working as Real Madrid Castilla boss since 2019, the same role Zidane held before first taking the top job.
Raul would reportedly love to take the job, but should he be pipped by the experienced Allegri, he could depart Madrid's B Team for Germany.
Eintracht Frankfurt have made Raul aware of their interest, but the Spaniard wants to wait and see if he can earn the top job at his current club before making a final decision.
Madrid are reluctant to make official approaches to any of their targets, before Zidane formally resigns.
The reigning champions are still in with a shout of retaining their title, going into the weekend's final day in Spain two points behind rivals Atletico at the top of the table.
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As for Allegri, the Italian has been linked with returning to Juventus to replace former midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
The 53-year-old left Juve in 2019, and surprisingly hasn't taken another job since.
But with successors Maurizio Sarri and now Pirlo having not particularly impressed, Allegri could return.
Such has been their decline this term, that they could fail to even qualify for next season's Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co currently sit fifth in the Serie A table with one match remaining - as Napoli and AC Milan both sit one point ahead.
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