Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has jumped to the top of Real Madrid's shortlist to replace Jose Mourinho.Sport says Real president Florentino Perez would be prepared to move for the Dane before the end of the season should Mourinho quit early.

The Portuguese again touted himself to English clubs yesterday and his future at Real is sure to be decided by their Champions League clash with Manchester United.

Laudrup's Swansea have won great praise in England and significantly Spain coach Vincente del Bosque, once of Real, was in Wales on the weekend to check on the club's Spanish contingent.

As a former Real player, Laudrup's candidacy carries extra weight and his quiet man-management style would be welcome by Perez after Mou's bombastic approach.