Bayern Munich are ‘one step away’ from appointing Zinedine Zidane as manager… with the Frenchman also monitoring managerial situation at Manchester United

Bayern Munich are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Zinedine Zidane for him to become their next manager.

Zidane hasn’t managed a club since his second spell in charge of Real Madrid ended in 2021.

However, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, his time away from the dugout could be set to come to end, with Bayern keen on appointing Zidane as a replacement for Thomas Tuchel, who is set to leave at the end of the season.

Julian Nagelsmann, who had also been linked with the Bayern job, has signed a new contract to remain in charge of the Germany national team until after the 2026 World Cup. Nagelsmann was previously Bayern boss between 2021 and 2023.

The report states that Zidane has asked for Bayern to bring in reinforcements if he is appointed, especially with regards to defenders.

Julian Nagelsmann, who had been linked with Bayern, will remain in charge of Germany

Bayern is seen as an attractive proposition for Zidane due to the status of the club and the prospect of competing for a host of trophies.

The club is also said to have strong relationships with his advisor, Alain Migliaccio, who previously worked with former player Franck Ribery. 

That Zidane has a continuing relationship with adidas – who also sponsor Real Madrid – the club’s sportswear partner, is seen as another plus.  

Since his departure from Real, Zidane has been linked with numerous high-profile jobs, including the French national team, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

The latter – who could yet replace Erik ten Hag at the end of the season – are believed to be of no small interest to the former World Cup winner. 

While at Real, Zidane won the Champions League three times as manager and also lifted LaLiga on two occasions.

Zidane was initially manager of Real between January 2016 and May 2018 before returning to coach them between March 2019 and May 2021. 

Tuchel has been in charge of Bayern since March 2023 and guided the club over the finish line to win the Bundesliga last season. However, this campaign Bayern missed out on winning the title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen were crowned champions.

Zidane could replace Thomas Tuchel, who is set to leave Bayern at the end of the season

Bayern have, however, progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League after overcoming Arsenal in the last eight. 

Commenting on his decision to remain in charge of Germany, Nagelsmann said:  ‘This is a decision of the heart. It is a great honor to be able to train the national team and work with the best players in the country.

‘With successful, passionate performances we have the chance to inspire an entire country.’

Should pursuit of Zidane prove futile, the Bundesliga behemoth are also thought to be keeping tabs on Austria manager Ralf Rangnick.