Antonio Conte’s move to Real Madrid reportedly broke down due to Jose Mourinho, with the Italian interested in replacing him at Manchester United.
The Merengues officially sacked Julen Lopetegui yesterday, and Conte had been touted as his likely replacement.
Talks with the former Juventus Coach have broken down though, with explanations ranging from his pending court case with Chelsea to the fact the players didn’t want him.
According to this morning’s Gazzetta dello Sport though, everything revolves around Mourinho.
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez wants to bring ‘The Special One’ back, after he broke the 100 point barrier in his previous spell.
Conte has heard that talk, and is waiting to see if he could replace the Portuguese at Old Trafford.
Mourinho won’t be sacked before the end of the season, as United would have to pay around £30m in compensation.
However, if he finishes the season a severance package could be worked out, and there is likely a clause allowing them to sack him if the Red Devils don’t make the Champions League.
Real Madrid will therefore continue with Santiago Solari, or possibly Roberto Martinez, as Perez lines up Mourinho for the summer.