Zidane leads Mourinho, Guardiola and Rodgers in the race to replace Benitez at Real Madrid

ZINEDINE ZIDANE is the overwhelming favourite to be the next Real Madrid boss with the imminent sacking of Rafael Benitez.

 

Odds have been slashed on Zidane to replace Rafael Benitez this evening

 

The club held an emergency meeting today to discuss the 55-year-old's future at the Bernabeu and a press conference has been called for 16:30 (GMT).

Reports in Spain suggest Benitez will be sacked and replaced by club legend Zidane, who currently manages the Real Madrid Castilla team, with Santi Solari being appointed his assistant.

Odds were slashed this morning by Paddy Power on the Frenchman to take the top job at the Bernabeu, falling from 7/4 to 3/10, which implies Florentino Perez and the club's hierarchy have already made their move.

 

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is second favourite, having managed Real Madrid between 2013 and 2015, but still falls way behind at 10/3 compared to Zidane's odds.

German boss Joachim Low and Chelsea, Man City and Man United target Pep Guardiola are outsiders at 20/1, with Brendan Rodgers and Mauricio Pochettino available at 25/1. 

 

Benitez took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer but he's been under pressure throughout his tenure, with Real Madrid being heavily criticised for their league performances with the club third in La Liga, four points behind leaders and city rivals Atletico.

Their great rivals Barcelona are two points above them in second with a game in hand and Benitez faces the sack this evening, after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Gary Neville's Valencia at the Mestalla.