What may have looked a plausible move closer to the beginning of this decade, Real Madrid are nevertheless considering a move for former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss, Andre Villas-Boas.
The manager who once worked as a part of Jose Mourinho's backroom team, Villas-Boas memorably led Porto to a league, cup and Europa League treble during the 2010/11 season - his only in charge of the club.
Looking the suitable manager to fill the Mourinho-shaped hole at Chelsea, Villas-Boas took over the reigns at Stamford Bridge the following the season. However, growing tired of the club's dip in form during the Portuguese's period in charge, Roman Abramovich decided Villas-Boas had to go in February 2012.
Recently reported to be indulging his passion for motor-racing after spells in Russia and China, Spanish newspapers Marca and AS are both carrying the story that in lieu of Mauricio Pochettino's decision to remain with Spurs, Real Madrid may well be looking to Villas-Boas.
In what would certainly represent an unusual move for the reigning European champions, the club, having been thrown into turmoil by the surprise resignation of Zinedine Zidane, were rebuffed in their attempts to lure Pochettino back to Spain.
Having greatly impressed during his time in England, bringing Spurs to the knockout-stages of the Champions League, whilst retaining their top-four status in the Premier League, it is thought that Pochettino may sooner or later find himself at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
For now, it would appear that Villas-Boas, along with other notable candidates such as the Brazil manager Tite, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, and Madrid legend Guti, remains in the running as one of the club's secondary choices.
