Mourinho emerges as the top choice to become Real Madrid manager; decision soon

Mourinho set to return? (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The Portuguese, who himself is keen on a return, has extensive experience managing difficult dressing-room situations throughout his long career at the highest level.

Other options on the table

That does not mean there are no other options, and each candidate is being assessed with arguments both for and against.

Mauricio Pochettino is another name under consideration, another coach admired by Perez. Meanwhile, neither Jurgen Klopp nor Zinedine Zidane has truly been a realistic option.

Didier Deschamps is also among the names being considered, largely because of his strong relationship with the French core of the squad. Another international manager being discussed is Lionel Scaloni, although his limited experience at club level counts against him.

Decision soon

Real Madrid will only formally move for a new manager once the team no longer has any mathematical chance of winning the league. That could happen this Sunday if they fail to beat Barcelona.

At that point, the groundwork laid over recent weeks will begin to take shape, although discussions have not yet reached the finest details.

Most of the preparation has already been done, and the club believe the final decision will be made quickly.