Nuno Santo SACKED by Al-Ittihad after 'reportedly falling out with Benzema'

Former Tottenham coach Nuno Espírito Santo has been sacked by Al-Ittihad after he reportedly clashed with their star player Karim Benzema following a string of defeats in the Saudi Pro League.

The Portuguese coach was knocked out of the AFC Champions League group by Al-Quwa Al-Juwiya after the side failed to win in five of their last league matches.

Al-Ittihad boast a string of highly talented players including former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, ex-Celtic winger Jota and former Liverpool player Fabhino.

But despite their star-studded squad, Nuno has overseen just two wins from their last nine games across all competitions.

And after an embarrassing defeat to Al-Quwa Al-Juwiya that tempers flared in the changing room and Benzema and Nuno reportedly exchanged insults, according to Revelo.

Reports suggest the club may look to bring in a French manager to please Benzema.

From the list of suggestions, Laurent Blanc - who used to manage Lyon - is rumoured to be a replacement.

Zinedine Zidane has also been listed as the dream managerial appointment for the side, but he has so far declined any suggestions.

Steven Gerrard - who manages Al Ettifaq - has recently said he will 'scour Europe' for more transfer targets as the Saudi Pro League looks to loosen the purse strings again.

Gerrard took over the Saudi side in July but they currently sit seventh in the league table at the moment with 21 points from 12 games.