Rafael Alkorta has backed Vicente del Bosque to become Spain's next national team coach amid claims he is set to replace Luis Aragones.Spanish media on Tuesday suggested that Del Bosque, who led Real Madrid to two Primera Liga and two Champions League titles during three-and-a-half years at the Bernabeu before leaving in 2003, is in line to take over from Aragones when the veteran coach steps down after Euro 2008.

Alkorta, who made over 50 appearances for Spain and represented Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao before retiring in 2002, said of Del Bosque: "He is a man who has many great qualities to be coach.

"He knows football, is patient and, above all, he is open to talk to, and this is very good for a player."

Alkorta also believes that the speculation over his successor should not distract Aragones as he makes his plans for this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

He added in Marca: "He has already said that after the European Championships he will leave.

"I believe that Luis must not give any importance to all this and say goodbye by having a great tournament."

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