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The Frenchman stepped down from his role at the Bernabeu last month, just days after leading Real to their third consecutive Champions League title.

A number of high-profile names have been touted as Zidane’s successor, including Arsene Wenger, Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri.

It is unclear who will take charge but club president Florentino Perez will be keen to make a decision soon as he plots a major squad overhaul this summer.

Reports in Spain have suggested that the Spaniard has received advice from his peers over who the right person is to take the club forward.

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And according to Don Balon, a Spanish outlet famous for its outlandish claims, Mourinho has touted former colleague Aitor Karanka as the answer.

The pair worked together for three years at the Bernabeu as Karanka was Mourinho’s assistant during his spell with the La Liga giants and the 44-year-old has since ventured into management.

The Spaniard spent four years at Middlesbrough, leading them to the Premier League, and he has been in charge at Nottingham Forest since January.

Yet despite a lack of experience managing at a high level, Don Balon claim that Mourinho sees him as the perfect candidate.

(Image: GETTY)

The Portuguese believes that Karanka knows the club well and is willing to offer him advice should he need help.

Karanka is not the only shock candidate in contention, with former Real Madrid star Michael Laudrup also among those linked with the post.

The Dane spent two years as a Real player and is currently in charge of Qatari club Al Rayyan.