Benitez's first-choice replacement at Real Madrid was NOT Zidane or Mourinho

Real Madrid were considering a move for Antonio Conte before appointing Zinedine Zidane as Rafa Benitez’s replacement.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Madrid president Florentino Perez wanted Conte to immediately succeed Benitez, but the former Juventus boss has no plans to leave his post with Italy’s national side just a few months before Euro 2016.

However, the report claims that Conte remains high on Madrid’s shortlist despite the snub and could succeed Zidane if the World Cup winner struggles in his first senior managerial role.

Manchester United and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the 46-year-old, who won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus.