4. Marcelino
Towards the end of last season in LaLiga, Villarreal were looking a very formidable side. Qualification for the Champions League promised much for the new campaign, but a nightmare summer forced a rethink.
Injuries to key players proved problematic, but the departure of their highly-rated coach caused a real stir. It was no shock, though, because the Yellow Submarine had been through worse before, and Marcelino has worked magic to help the club back into Europe after the shock of relegation in 2011/12.
Whether Marcelino would be on a genuine list remains to be seen, because he does have the fewest credentials for the job in a superficial sense. He is no big name and has no prior connections, but he certainly has proven himself to be a competent option.
His journey up the soccer pyramid has been somewhat traditional, with spells at Sporting Gijon, Racing Santander and Real Sociedad, before a year at Sevilla prior to taking over at El Madrigal in 2013. He needs a break and someone to take a risk on him.
The 51-year-old was reportedly close to taking over at Valencia after Pako Ayesteran left earlier this season, but a contractual complication stood in his way.
If Real were to make this move, they would have to wait until next summer, but if he is left to do his job without unnecessary pressure, he could surprise a few people.