Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed he will step down as Real Madrid head coach at the end of the season, with José Mourinho in advanced talks to take charge at the club for a second time.

The 43-year-old was elevated from his position as Real Madrid B coach in January, stepping in to replace fellow former Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso. His tenure ends without a major trophy — Madrid are set to finish as La Liga runners-up and were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real's final league fixture, a home match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, Arbeloa made clear he would not be retained under the incoming regime.