Rafa Benitez 'set for' Real Madrid sack: Who could replace the Spaniard at the Bernabeu?

Jose Mourinho, Zinedine Zidane and Joachim Low among the candidates

Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafa Benitez have fallen out at Real Madrid (Getty Images)

Real Madrid are close to dismissing manager Rafael Benítez just six months into a three-year contract, according to reports, leaving the door open for a number of candidates.

Florentino Pérez, the Madrid president, has called for an extraordinary meeting where various sources suggest he will relieve the former Napoli and Liverpool boss of his duties.

It is unlikely the Spanish giants would sack Benítez without a suitable replacement in waiting – with rumours that José Mourinho could return to the Santiago Bernabéu persisting despite several denials from both camps. Other candidates include Alejandro Sabella and Zinedine Zidane.

For a full round-up of the early names to be linked with the post, see below...

This is not the first occasion that Benítez's future has been called into doubt. Perez was forced to call a press conference on 23 November 2015 after the 4-0 defeat by Barcelona led to the Spaniard suffering abuse from Madrid supporters.