Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa is a top contender to replace Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.

Alonso is under serious pressure at the Bernabeu following a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday night.

After beating Barcelona in October, Madrid went five points clear of their rivals. Now they are four points behind them in LaLiga.

The Spaniard was only appointed as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement in May following success at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Athletic report that internal discussions have been held by key figures at Real Madrid.

They face Man City in the Champions League on Wednesday night and the result could decide his future.

The report adds that former Liverpool and Madrid defender Arbeloa, who is in charge of their Castilla team, is a contender to take charge should he be sa

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