Zinedine Zidane ‘prefers’ Manchester United move despite Bayern Munich talks | Football

The Frenchman has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.

That comes after first choice, Xabi Alonso, confirmed he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen next season.

Second choice, Julian Nagelsmann, then signed an extension with the German national team until 2026.

That leaves few options in a crowded market and Zidane, who has been out of the game since leaving Madrid in 2021, is a man in demand.

The Frenchman won three consecutive Champions League titles during his first stint at the Bernabeu and has raised doubts in the past about managing outside of France, Spain or Italy, as he does not speak English or German.

But reports in Spain on Friday claimed Zidane was ‘one step away’ from agreeing a deal to join Bayern this summer, with the Bayern board in agreement that he is the best remaining candidate.

Zidane, though, is said to have major reservations over a move to Bavaria, according to L’Equipe.

The Frenchman is not keen on moving to the area, has a poor grasp of German and is not interested in the Bundesliga.

Instead, Zidane is keeping a close eye on Erik ten Hag’s position at Manchester United as his grasp of English is better and he feels the Premier League is the best league in the world.

The Dutchman has a year left on his deal but United are set to miss out on Champions League qualification.

United face Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

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