Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is facing an internal battle over his wish to rehire Jose Mourinho.

AS says the former Real coach is the president's No1 selection to replace Santiago Solari after a disastrous seven days for the club. Real are out of all three competitions after a horror week.

Florentino believes Mourinho's "heavy hand" is what is needed by Real at this time. But his No2, Jose Angel Sanchez, has argued against the Portuguese's return given there remains resentment from the likes of Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Marcelo after his previous spell in charge.

Other board members are against Mourinho and have put forward Germany coach Joachim Low as an alternative. But for the moment, Florentino is steadfast on bringing back the Special One as soon as possible.