Julen Lopetegui returned to the training pitch with the Real Madrid squad on Monday, despite ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Reports in Spain suggest Antonio Conte is primed to take the reigns at the Bernabeu following the humiliating 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clasico.

Lopetegui has been under increased pressure in recent weeks after struggling to hit the ground running in his first season in charge, with Real currently in ninth place in La Liga after 10 games and without a win in five.

Sunday’s defeat was seen by many as the final straw, but the former Spain manager returned to training as usual on Monday morning with his squad ahead of the Copa del Rey clash against Melilla on Wednesday.

A post on the club’s official website said: “The session began with physical work for the rest of the squad. Next, the Whites worked on possession and pressing and played games on a small field.

“Lopetegui called up Castilla players De la Fuente, Cristo and Alex.”