It is no secret that Real Madrid are eyeing Alonso as a possible replacement for Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager is on the hot seat after Los Blancos crashed out of the Champions League and could be fired at the end of the season if his team does not win the Copa del Rey and/or La Liga.

Sky Deutschland says Bayer are aware of Real Madrid's plans and will insist on a fee of €15-20m to release Xabi from his contract. Knowing the situation, Bayer are already studying the coaching market for potential replacements.

What we have here is the perfect tale that leads to the unavoidable. Xabi, the most sought-after name on the coaching board in Europe at present, stands to face a challenge most coaches dream of having: choosing between staying true to his own work or responding to the institution where he became a legend.