Real Madrid have Rafa Benitez lined up should they lose Jose Mourinho. It's emerged Mourinho is considering his future at Real after growing frustrated with the way he has been attacked in the press and the lack of loyalty from certain players.

Sport says Real, while alarmed by developments, already have a backup plan should Mourinho choose to quit.

Former Liverpool and Inter Milan boss Benitez has been contacted by Real reps and made it clear he would welcome a return to the Madrid giants.

Benitez has been considered in the past, though the animosity between him and former Real sports chief Jorge Valdano always stalled negotiations.