Real Madrid's next manager: Xabi Alonso, Raul and the leading candidates to replace Brazil-bound boss Carlo Ancelotti

The cat is finally out of the bag. In confirming Fernando Diniz as the national team's interim boss on Tuesday, Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues also revealed the Fluminense manager's successor. "Diniz's game plan is almost similar to that of the coach that will take over at Copa America - (Carlo) Ancelotti," Rodrigues said.

Even though Ancelotti still has a year to run on his current contract with Real Madrid, the news did not come as a major surprise, given Brazil have been chasing the Italian for some time now. It wasn't a question of if he would assume control of the Selecao, but when the announcement would be made.

What is less clear, though, is Madrid's succession plan. We don't yet know who will replace Ancelotti in the hot seat at Santiago Bernabeu.Several coaches have been linked with the vacancy but, as GOAL outlines below, some contenders are better-placed to take the reins next year than others...