Ancelotti rejects Brazil, considering Saudi Arabia offer in shock U-turn

Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly rejected the opportunity to manage the Brazilian national team.

The Italian manager is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, and has been heavily linked with taking charge of the five-time World Cup winners.

According to Marca, Ancelotti travelled to London on Monday and was expected to sign his Brazil contract in the English capital.

He did not put pen to paper, but was still considered likely to formalise his move into international football when he returned to Spain on Tuesday.

However, he has now opted to turn down Brazil's proposal, and contacted the president of the Brazilian federation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, to inform him of his decision.

Marca's report claims Ancelotti's U-turn came after uncertainty emerged over when he could potentially start his role with Brazil.

Brazil believed he would be allowed to leave Real in June, but Ancelotti is understood to have told the federation that he would not take up his position until August.

Barring another major change of heart, Ancelotti will now not become Brazil's next manager, and could still lead Real in this summer's Club World Cup.

Ancelotti is still set to leave the Spanish giants ahead of next season, and is believed to be considering a huge offer to manage in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi contract would reportedly see Ancelotti earn €50m net (£42m), which could be difficult for him to turn down.

Meanwhile, Brazil must now look for alternative options after failing to convince Ancelotti to become their new manager.

Brazil have been looking for their next head coach after sacking Dorival Junior following their humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina last month.

The national team are back in action at the start of June when they face Ecuador and Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers.

They are likely to want a new coach in place for these games, with the side still having work to do to book their place at next year's World Cup.

Brazil are currently fourth in the South American World Cup standings, with the top six teams progressing to the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada, while seventh place will earn a play-off spot.