Benitez is '99 percent' Real Madrid's new manager, says Ancelotti's agent

Real Madrid gave Carlo Ancelotti the boot on Monday, ending speculation around a move that seemed inevitable for quite some time.

That has made way for speculation over the Italian's replacement, though if Ancelotti's agent is to be believed, that matter has already been settled.

Ernesto Bronzetti, speaking to RAI on Monday, said that current Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is all but confirmed to take over the demanding seat at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Rafa Benitez is 99 percent Real Madrid coach," Bronzetti said, as translated by ESPN FC.

Given club president Florentino Perez's comments at Monday's press conference, that seems to be the case.

The Real Madrid head honcho noted that the club's new manager will be announced next week, which would be necessary in Benitez's case given that Napoli still gas one match remaining on their schedule.

Perez also said that a Spanish speaker would be his preference, and Benitez, who spent time as an assistant at Real Madrid earlier in his career, fits that bill as well.