Rafa Benitez close to Real Madrid departure - reports

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Zinedine Zidane would be leading candidates to replace the Spaniard

Rafa Benitez has the backing of the Real Madrid board... for now (Getty Images)

Real Madrid are close to dismissing manager Rafael Benítez just six months into a three-year contract, according to reports.

Florentino Pérez, the Madrid president, has called for an extraordinary meeting where various sources suggest he will relieve the former Napoli and Liverpool boss of his duties.

It is unlikely the Spanish giants would sack Benítez without a suitable replacement in waiting – with rumours that José Mourinho could return to the Santiago Bernabéu persisting despite several denials from both camps. Zinedine Zidane, nonetheless, remains the favourite.

Madrid sports newspaper Marca, long considered to be a mouthpiece for the La Liga side, state Benítez is ‘on thin rope more than ever’ after the 2-2 draw with Valencia, managed by Gary Neville.

The publication has spent the afternoon discussing the merits of appointing ex-midfielder Zidane, currently coaching Real’s Castilla squad.

Reports linking Mourinho with the post continue to receive little traction in the Spanish capital.

Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to have given Real Madrid an ultimatum over Rafa Benitez's future in the past (Getty Images)

The Portuguese, who was dismissed by Chelsea last month, is a decidedly unpopular figure among the press in Spain after spending a disharmonious three years there between 2010-13.

This is not the first occasion that Benítez's future has been called into question. Perez was forced to call a press conference on 23 November 2015 after the 4-0 defeat by Barcelona led to the Spaniard suffering abuse from Madrid supporters.

Currently four points adrift of La Liga leaders Atlético Madrid, in third place, the Spanish giants defeated Real Vallecano 10-2 just a fortnight ago.