Thursday, 30th May, 2013

Carlo Ancelotti may indeed find himself locked down at the Parc des Princes for one more year, if Paris Saint-Germain’s plan to appoint Leonardo as a one-year stopgap as they await the arrival of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fails.

Ancelotti is all geared and ready to go to become the new head coach at Real Madrid, with the Spanish camp confirming they are indeed in talks with the Italian tactician as well as his current employers in an effort to bring the manager to Spain.



But PSG are playing hard-ball, with their supremo Nasser Al-Khelaifi claiming that the ex-Chelsea manager still has one year on his contract with the club that he is legally bound to see through.

But perhaps the real reason why PSG are unwilling to release to Ancelotti is that there is no standout candidate to be his replacement at the Parc des Princes, a theory consultant Frederic Hermel is attesting.

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Hermel, who has been connected with now Real Madrid sporting director Zinedine Zidane before, told RMC Radio, "See, Leonardo was approached by PSG to replace Ancelotti for one year so that they could then get the signature of [Arsenal manager Arsene] Wenger for next season.

"But Leonardo is awaiting the [French Football Federation’s] decision for his pushing a referee. If the penalty is less than [a touchline ban for] six months, then Ancelotti could be released. But if it lasts a year, Ancelotti would be kept at PSG", Hermel further explained.

Should Ancelotti indeed be forced to stay in France, then Real Madrid have a backup plan in outgoing Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes, whom Los Blancos are tipped to approach should their move for the Italian collapse.

Indeed, Heynckes’ agent has confirmed they would be willing to speak with Real Madrid should the club open talks.

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