Roberto De Zerbi joined Brighton just over a year ago (Photo: Getty)

Real Madrid have identified Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as a top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti next summer, according to reports.

Los Blancos have been on the hunt for a new head coach following the announcement that Ancelotti will ending his second spell with the La Liga giants at the end of the season.

The former Chelsea and Everton boss is set to takeover the Brazil national team next June, just a few weeks before the start of the 2024 Copa America.

Ancelotti has said that he would like to see a former Real star take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Xabi Alonso the name most closely linked with the job.

The Liverpool and Real legend began his managerial career just last year with Bayer Leverkusen and has impressed so far, recently signing a new long-term contract with the Bundesliga side.
But according to Spanish outlet Cadena, there is another name high on Real’s shortlist: De Zerbi.

The Italian joined Brighton early into last season following Graham Potter’s ill-fated move to Chelsea, and has very quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s best and most exciting managers.

Carlo Ancelotti is the only manager to have won four Champions Leagues (Photo: Getty)

He guided the Seagulls to the FA Cup semi-finals and a sixth-place finish, qualifying the club for European competition for the first time in its history.

Despite losing many of their ...