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Roberto De Zerbi is on Real Madrid’s shortlist of potential successors for manager Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season, talkSPORT understands.

The Italian is under contract until the summer of 2025 and has a release clause believed to be in excess of £10m.

Brighton are understood to be relaxed about De Zerbi’s future.

De Zerbi has been in charge of the Seagulls for a year, having replaced Graham Potter last September.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk and Sassuolo boss has done a hugely impressive job so far.

He led Brighton to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League in his first season and Europa League qualification.

This term, they are riding high again and are currently third in the table.