Report: Key players block Conte's Real Madrid appointment

A day after reports linked Antonio Conte with a move to Real Madrid, it appears the former Chelsea boss won't be taking the gig due to resistance from key Los Blancos players.

According to the Independent's Ed Malyon, Conte's once near-certain appointment is now on the rocks, and not because his terms with Chelsea require a £9.5-million payout if he takes another job this season, but because some influential Madrid players don't want him there.

Further reports, including one from Malyon's colleague, Miguel Delaney, allege that Lopetegui's former international pupil Sergio Ramos is at the forefront of those against Conte's signing.

A report from Italy's Mediaset contends that Conte has now taken his name out of the running.

That has vaulted Madrid B-team boss Santiago Solari to the front of the pack, with the Spaniard expected to succeed current manager Julen Lopetegui on an interim basis ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey trip to north Africa to face Melilla.

It's expected the 13-time European Cup winners will sack Lopetegui following Monday's board meeting.