Benitez 99 per cent certain to join Real Madrid'

goal.com

The Spaniard is the hot favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti following the Italian's sacking on Monday.

Carlo Ancelotti's agent Ernesto Bronzetti says Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is "99 per cent certain" to take over at Real Madrid.

The La Liga club announced the sacking of the Italian on Monday and also confirmed they would unveil his successor next week.

Madrid president Florentino Perez refused to shed any more light on Ancelotti's potential replacement but admitted a Spanish speaking coach would be his preference.

Goal revealed last week that Benitez is top of the club's shortlist and it appears only to be a matter of time before Benitez is appointed at the Bernabeu.

"Rafa Benitez is 99% certain to take charge of Real Madrid," Bronzetti told Rai Sport.

Regarding the former AC Milan boss' dismissal, he added: "Ancelotti wants to take a year off. The team was concerned at the news and some of the players cried when he announce his departure."

Benitez won the Coppa Italia last season but has failed to mount a serious title challenge in Naples this term, with his side set to finish in a disappointing fourth spot.