Jesus linked with Real Madrid vacancy

With moves for Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp appearing to be impossible to conclude, 'Los Blancos' are being forced to look further afield in their search for a successor for Zidane.

The latest name added to the list of runners and riders is that of Jorge Jesus, with the aformentioned source claiming that the Portuguese is in Real Madrid's thinking.

A switch to Spain would be a surprise, with the 63-year-old having never managed outside of his native Portugal, though he maintains a good reputation across Europe.

Setúbal, Moreirense, Uniao Leiria, Belenenses, Braga, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon are the names that adorn Jesus' managerial CV,  though it appears he is now attracting the attention of Europe's bigger fish.

'A Bola' announced recently that Jesus is set to rescind his contract with his current employers following a rocky season that ended with Sporting's players being attacked at the training ground by masked intruders.

At Benfica, Jesus won everything there is to win in Portuguese football, taking home three league titles, one Portuguese Cup, five League Cups and one Portuguese Super Cup. Interestingly, Jesus faced Real Madrid in last season's Champions League, coming within a whisker of claiming something at the Bernabeu.

The coming days will be key in Real Madrid's search, with the club keen to appoint a manager as soon as possible, with the hierarchy all too aware that the playing squad needs a makeover this summer.