Zinedine Zidane is close to returning to manage Bayern Munich, according to reports in Spain.
The 51-year-old has not managed a club since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021 but has attracted interest from both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
Bayern, meanwhile, are searching for a replacement for Thomas Tuchel, who is leaving at the end of the season, and were dealt a blow on Friday after it was announced that Julian Nagelsmann, their standout candidate, has signed a contract extension with the German national team.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Bayern have turned to Zidane after missing out on Nagelsmann and an agreement with France’s World Cup winner is not signed but ‘practically done’.
The report adds that Zidane has already asked Bayern’s hierarchy to improve the team’s defence during the summer transfer window.
During his two spells as Real Madrid head coach, Zidane guided the club to two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
Bayern, meanwhile, have considered several candidates to replace Tuchel including Xabi Alonso, who is staying at newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by Roma in January.
Tuchel, meanwhile, has made it clear that he will leave Bayern at the end of the season, regardless of whether he guides the team to victory in the Champions League this season.
When asked on Friday if he would stay at Bayern if asked by the club’s hierarchy, Tuchel replied: ‘I have an agreement with the club that has been communicated and is in place.’
