Reports suggest Rafael Benitez facing the sack this afternoon

There have been rumours circulating online that Rafael Benitez has been sacked from his position as manager of Real Madrid, with the club expected to confirm the move in a press conference later today.

Rafa's time at Real Madrid is up...

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 4, 2016

It could happen this afternoon https://t.co/qYrD4nWvHR

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 4, 2016

Former France and Real player Zinedine Zidane is rumoured to be his replacement.

The Spaniard is still in his first season with the club, having signed a three-year deal with them in June 2015.

The club currently lie third in the La Liga table, a point behind eternal rivals Barcelona - who have a game in hand and four behind leaders Madrid neighbours Atlético Madrid.

Last night they were held to a 2-2 draw by Valencia, currently managed by former Manchester United and England player Gary Neville.

Was this the man who pushed Rafa Benitez over the edge at Real Madrid? pic.twitter.com/cFExDV9VdL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 4, 2016

There has been no confirmation as yet from the club or manager, but that hasn’t stopped Twitter going into overdrive.

BREAKING: Rafa Benitez has been sacked by @RealMadrid https://t.co/CHBIrd9iez

— The Sun Dream Team (@dreamteamfc) January 4, 2016

"And can Rafa Benitez do THIS?!" -Zidane's job interview pic.twitter.com/7BIa2T4ir0

— COPA90 US (@Copa90US) January 4, 2016

The end is nigh for ‘Walking Dead’ Rafa Benitez at #RealMadrid... pic.twitter.com/3G1vb4i9hL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 4, 2016

Rumours spreading fast Rafa Benitez has been/is about to be fired by Real Madrid... pic.twitter.com/xf2ie7BDoQ

— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) January 4, 2016

Sad that this was Benitez's dream job but he mostly got it because of the structural mess Madrid are in rather than his own recent work.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) January 4, 2016