Xabi Alonso's three-man Real Madrid transfer shortlist revealed | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager this summer and has already identified his three preferred transfer targets, according to a recent report.

After a surprisingly underwhelming season in the Spanish capital, Ancelotti will leave Madrid at the end of the campaign and looks increasingly likely to be replaced by former Los Blancos midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso.

The Spaniard, who guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic league and cup double in Germany last term, is one of the world's most promising young coaches and it seems inevitable that he will return to the Santiago Bernabeu sooner rather than later.

Diario AS report that Alonso has already decided which signings he wants to make on arrival in Madrid, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi and Leverkusen pair Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah his ideal targets.

Wirtz (L) and Tah (R) have both achieved great things under Alonso / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

The 43-year-old coach worked with Zubimendi during their time together in San Sebastian, leading La Real's B team prior to his BayArena switch. The Euro 2024 winner has been the subject of much transfer speculation over the past year, although Madrid have ground to make up on Arsenal.

Wirtz is another Alonso knows incredibly well having helped him achieve superstar status at Leverkusen. The attacking midfielder won't come cheap this summer, likely costing far more than €100m and is also wanted by a Manchester City in rebuild mode.

Tah has also thrived under Alonso's tutelage at Leverkusen and the towering centre-back will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. Barcelona have been strongly linked with the defender but their financial difficulties could open the door for their Clasico rivals. Manchester United have also come on the scene more recently, with multiple experienced centre-backs set to leave.