Carlo Ancelotti is to take over at the helm of Spanish giants Real Madrid

Real Madrid have confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti is to replace Jose Mourinho as their head coach and the Italian has signed a three-year contract.

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas, Mourinho, ex-England coach Fabio Capello and recently-appointed Napoli chief Rafa Benitez had all been linked with PSG. However, the ambitious French outfit have plumped for Blanc, who enjoyed a distinguished career as a central defender which was crowned by his key role in the France side which won back-to-back major trophies at their home World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000, eventually retiring with 97 caps and an impressive 16 international goals to his name. He also collected league titles in France with Auxerre and in England with Manchester United, the European Cup Winners' Cup with Barcelona and domestic cup competitions with Montpellier, Auxerre and Barca.