Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi is on the radar of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti's contract runs to the end of the season and he is expected to leave - no matter how the season concludes - for the Brazil job.

Radio Marca says Real Madrid are focusing on Xabi Alonso, of Bayer Leverkusen, for next season.

But Cadena SER now states that while Alonso is a hot candidate, De Zerbi is also on Real Madrid's wish list.

The Italian coach has Brighton inside the top four and competing in the Europa League for the first time.

De Zerbi has a contract until the summer of 2026.