Rafael Benitez's representatives are in regular contact with Real Madrid over their client taking over at the Bernabeu this summer.
Real Madrid have been tipped to sack Carlo Ancelotti after he failed to lead the side to La Liga, losing out to fierce rivals Barcelona, and also came up short in the club's defence of the Champions League they won last season.
The Spanish giants have been linked with former Liverpool and Valencia coach Benitez, who is currently at Italian Serie A outfit Napoli.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Los Blancos are now in regular tough with Benitez's representatives as a deal moves closer.
Napoli have been hoping to keep hold of Benitez, but appear to be losing the race to retain the Spanish tactician.
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Benitez is highly rated by current Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, while his stock remains high in Spain due to two La Liga title wins with Valencia.
The manager's career high so far came in 2005, when he led Liverpool to the Champions League against all the odds.
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