Carlo Ancelotti is on the cusp of leaving Everton to seal a sensational return to Real Madrid, according to widespread reports.
The Italian manager has three years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park but is edging closer to filling the role vacated by Zinedine Zidane last week.
Ancelotti, 61, managed Los Blancos for two seasons between 2013 and 2015, winning the Copa del Rey and Champions League.
He subsequently took charge of Bayern Munich and Napoli before Everton appointed him on a long-term deal in December 2019.
Ancelotti has led the Toffees to 12th and 10th-place finishes in the Premier League but it appears his project on Merseyside has come to an end.
Despite his Real Madrid dismissal by Florentino Perez six years ago, Ancelotti has a strong bond with the Real Madrid president and his head has been turned by the prospect of a return to the Spanish capital.
But Los Blancos must first agree a substantial compensation package with Everton to bring their target back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Paris Saint-Germain boss earns £11million per year at Goodison Park, while only recently he dismissed claims he could rejoin Real Madrid.
"This is good publicity for me to be linked with Real Madrid but it is not true," Ancelotti said in mid-May.
"I am really happy to stay here. We have difficulties of course but I feel good at Everton and my target is to make Everton better and better every year."
Naturally, Everton are battling hard to keep hold of their manager, who is one of just three in history to be crowned European champion on three occasions, along with Zidane and Liverpool legend Bob Paisley.
Although Ancelotti recently shot down rumours of a Real Madrid return, he also spoke highly of Perez.
"Listen, I had a fantastic relationship with the president because, first of all, he gave to me the possibility to be the manager to one of the most important teams in the world," said Ancelotti.
“Every manager has to try to be manager of Real Madrid in his career. I was able to do this for Mr Florentino Perez, I had a fantastic relationship.
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"After two years they decided to change but, as I've said a lot of times, it is part of my job. A lot of respect for the president and for the person."
Nonetheless, it is surprising to see Real Madrid move for their former manager amid widespread speculation they would try and appoint former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte or prise Mauricio Pochettino from Paris Saint-Germain
Equally surprising is how quickly Ancelotti's head has been turned given he seemed open to signing a new Everton contract in April.
Speaking about the club's proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, he said: "This will be the best stadium in the world."
Asked how it would feel to be the manager at the new ground, he added: "It means I have to sign a new contract because my contract expires on June 30, 2024 and they are saying the first game will be in August 2024.
"So I have to sign a new contract. I am here, waiting."