Real Madrid have been a mess this season but they look on the verge of appointing a new manager on the same weekend as they play Barcelona.
Julen Lopetegui is understood to be on the verge of the sack and it now appear as if Los Blancos have found their man, Antonio Conte.
Don Balon (via the Sky Sports Transfer Centre) are reporting that the former Chelsea manager “has his suitcases packed, and is waiting for the call” from the Bernabeu as he remains in pole position to take over from the former Spain boss.
Lopetegui has failed to settle in the Spanish capital and is widely reported to be set for the sack, even if Real manage to beat great rivals Barcelona in the Clasico on Sunday afternoon.
Mauricio Pochettino has been backed in the New Real Madrid Manager betting in recent hours but Conte remains the hot favourite having finally sorted out his contract issues in the wake of his departure from Chelsea.
The Italian enjoyed a brilliant first season in charge at Stamford Bridge before it fell part around him during the second season and it will be fascinating to see how he fares at the Bernabeu, if indeed he does take over.
The Champions League winners have struggled in the wake of the surprise departure of Zinedine Zidane who sensationally quit the club having won three Champions League trophies on the bounce.
Real Madrid have plenty of work to do to get back into the La Liga title race but at least they appear to have found their new manager.