LONDON, UK—Sam Allardyce has been spotted taking Spanish lessons this week in preparation for what sources close to the ex-England manager describe as an “imminent approach from Real Madrid”.

The Spanish giants are without a manager after Zinedine Zidane was only able to win 3 Champions Leagues in 3 years and have identified the former Bolton boss as the ideal candidate to take the club forward.

Related: Jack Rodwell Demands 50% Ownership In Sunderland To Tear Up Contract

“His experience working at clubs like Bolton, Blackburn, Sunderland and Newcastle speaks volumes,” Florentino Perez told Marca. “If he can do to Gareth Bale what he did to Ricardo Gardner, I’m sure he’ll capture the hearts and minds of our forgiving fans.”

Negotiations between the club and Big Sam’s agent are expected to be a formality with Allardyce expected to be unveiled alongside his assistant Sammy Lee in front of a sold-out Bernabeu by early next week.

One of his first tasks will surely be persuading Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at the club and Allardyce has earmarked the Portuguese star as the perfect person to fill the coveted target man role in his new-look side.

“He’s like Kevin Davies and Michael Ricketts all rolled into one, he’s the complete player,” Allardyce said previously of the 5-time Ballon D’or winner.

For more, follow our football page on Facebook and Twitter…