Real Madrid want Xabi Alonso in place as their new manager in time for the start of next month's Club World Cup.Sources say the plan is for Alonso, 43, to travel to Madrid on 1 June to prepare the team for their first game of the inaugural Fifa tournament on 18 June against Saudi side Al-Hilal in Miami.

Real Madrid plan to appoint Xabi Alonso before the Club World Cup starting on June 14, media reports said on Monday, as Carlo Ancelotti's departure to join Brazil later in May was confirmed. The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) announced that Ancelotti would join on May 26 once Madrid's league season is completed on May 25.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club at the end of the season to take charge of the Brazil national team, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced Monday. "The greatest national team in the history of football will now be led by the most successful coach in the world,