Rafa Benitez to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid

Rafa Benitez has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace CarIo Ancelotti as the Italian is expected to leave Real Madrid next week with AC Milan waiting in the wings.

Madrid's hierarchy met this week and are understood to be ready to relieve the 55-year-old of his duties with one year remaining on his current contract.

Napoli coach and West Ham target Benitez has emerged as one of the candidates to replace him due to his success in La Liga with Valencia.

Diego Simeone, the Atletico Madrid coach, has offered support to Ancelotti saying he was 'angry' at his rival's treatment.

'We coaches are in a difficult situation because we have a lot of pressure, jealousy,' Simeone told El Confidencial.

'I always listen to Ancelotti because in victory or defeat he always maintains his composure. He is someone to look up to, the coach of the Champions League winners, and the players that have followed him have won the Club World Cup.

'But the situation he is in makes me angry - and I’m not even his agent!'

Madrid face Getafe at the Bernabeu this weekend but will end the season without a trophy.

Credit: Simon Jones/SportsMail