Santiago Solari to replace Julen Lopetegui at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid are to sack manager Julen Lopetegui and replace him with former player Santiago Solari, according to a report.

Los Blancos are prepared to swing the axe just 12 games into Lopetegui's doomed tenure, having lost four and drawn one of their last five outings.

Despite bookies' favourite Antonio Conte being available following his departure from Chelsea in the summer, and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho also being in contention, Marca suggests that Solari is primed for the job.

As well as spending five years at the Bernabeu during his playing days, the 42-year-old has also worked with Madrid's youth and reserve teams in the past.

Real chiefs are said to be deliberating over when to bring an end to Lopetegui's reign, as they face Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday night and then travel Camp Nou for a huge showdown with Barcelona next weekend.