Carlo Ancelotti is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, according to reports in the French and Spanish media.

The most recent reports suggested Paris Saint Germain’s Qatari owner, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, was determined to hold onto the Italian manager.

But it is now believed that he has reluctantly accepted that Ancelotti cannot be forced to stay at the Parc des Princes against his will.

Ancelotti has admitted that he wants to manage Los Blancos next season, and the Spanish giants have hardly denied their interest in the former AC Milan and Chelsea manager, without explicitly acknowledging it.

Real president Florentino Perez has now begun his next stint in office, and has recommenced his efforts to lure Ancelotti from PSG, and it seems the protracted tussle over the manager could soon be over.

“Ancelotti, very close to Real” wrote pro-Madrid daily Marca on Thursday.

Le Parisien meanwhile, printed: “The Ancelotti case in the final straight.”

It is believed that it will take between €4 million to €7 million for Real to free Ancelotti from his contract with PSG, but that should not be an obstacle considering the fact that no money was lost in terminating the contract of former manager, Jose Mourinho, ahead of time.

While it appears as if Real Madrid will soon have the new manager they wanted, the situation remains confusing for PSG.

Reports suggest that Al-Khelaifi wanted sporting director Leonardo to manage the team for a season until Arsene Wenger’s contract expires at Arsenal.

But Leonardo has been banned from the touchline and dressing room for nine months after pushing a referee, and it would be complicated for him to assume the role of manager as a result.