Tim Sherwood
Tim Sherwood Reuters

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has emerged as a contender to return to the Premier League at Tottenham as replacement for Tim Sherwood, according to reports.

The Italian, who was sacked by Roman Abramovich in 2011 after a trophyless season at Stamford Bridge, is under massive pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu after having blown Real's lead in La Liga.

The Spanish giants' title aspirations are almost extinguished, following their twin defeats to Barcelona and Sevilla in the space of three days – Atletico Madrid now lead the way on 76 points while Barcelona are second on 75, with Madrid third on 73.

According to the Daily Mail, the Italian is Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's number one choice to take over at White Hart Lane if they feel a change must be made.

Real's fans are desperately calling for a tenth Champions League title and if Ancelotti fails to win the big trophy, his exit could be brought forward.

Levy has become aware of the dissatisfaction at Real surrounding Ancelotti and is monitoring developments as he thinks the Italian would be able to build a squad with options.

Sherwood signed a short-term deal in December after Levy fired Andre Villas-Boas, but his future has been the subject of much speculation, with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal emerging as one of the names to replace him – it is understood the Spurs chairman has distanced himself from that possibility.

At first, Levy's plan was to keep Sherwood for next season. But Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Anfield did not help. And the English press have not forgotten the Double won by Ancelotti in his first season at Chelsea in 2009/10, when he managed to secure the Premier League and the FA Cup.