Xabi Alonso is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
With Carlo Ancelotti expected to step down at Real Madrid – no matter how the title race with Barcelona finishes – Alonso is tipped to return to the Bernabéu, where he once won both La Liga and the Champions League as a player.
Reports in Spain say the 43-year-old has already agreed to a pre-contract deal with the club.
Last season, Alonso had a dream first year as a senior manager, leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a German Cup win, completing an impressive domestic double.
Speaking ahead of their game on Sunday, Alonso said: "This week the club and I have agreed that these two games are going to be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach.
"It is not a moment to talk too much about the future because we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday here for some players, for myself, and it is the right moment to announce it.
"We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions. It is emotional, I spoke this morning with the players, the staff, so many people who have helped me during an unbelievable, fantastic three years.
"Now is a moment to share it with the fans in this stadium where I have lived great emotions and become what I am right now."
