Real Madrid could face managerial competition from Manchester City should Pep Guardiola leave

Pep Guardiola's future as Manchester City manager has been under the microscope in recent weeks. His contract expires at the end of the season, and there is a reasonable chance that he will end his stay at the reigning Premier League champions after nine years.

If that were to happen, incoming sporting director Hugo Viana would be tasked with finding a replacement. Ruben Amorim, with whom he currently works at Sporting CP, would be a leading candidate, however The Athletic say that Xabi Alonso would also be someone who is considered.

This could be bad news for Real Madrid, who indicated that Alonso was the successor of Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian is contracted until 2026, although there have been rumors he could move next summer, allowing the current Bayer Leverkusen manager to return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ultimately, Alonso's situation is out Real Madrid hands He would be a fantastic successor to Ancelotti, although a move for him would depend on when the 65-year-old steps aside.