Real Madrid called the agent of Antonio Conte on Saturday after seeing their side fall to defeat at home to Levante, Diario AS have revealed.
The first phone call to the out-of-work Italian was reported to have happened last Monday by the Corriere dello Sport with a follow-up taking place five days later.
Monday’s conversation was said to have centred around the former Juventus and Chelsea Coach’s future prospects and whether he was interested in a swift return to management.
However, following Madrid’s defeat on Saturday – their fifth game in succession without a win – the chat was said to be more focused around Conte’s interest in taking over at their club.
Despite Marca reporting that Santiago Solari is the ‘number one choice’ for Madrid, AS counter that by saying Conte is their preferred target with Solari an ‘emergency option’ only.
The report concludes that, barring ‘a disaster’ against Czech side Viktoria Plzen this midweek, incumbent Julen Lopetegui will be allowed to take on Barcelona next Sunday.
