Zinedine Zidane is on the brink of becoming France's new manager, with an announcement seemingly imminent. The ex-Real Madrid and Juventus ace has been without a job since departing the Bernabeu for the second time in 2021. He has frequently been touted as a potential successor at Manchester United, whilst the French national team have long held him in high regard.
It seems that Zidane could finally be poised to make his return to the touchline in the coming months. French outlet Le Parisien claim that the 53-year-old has verbally agreed to take over from Didier Deschamps following this summer's World Cup. Providing an update on the hunt for a new manager, French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo hinted that a declaration could be forthcoming. In an interview with Le Figaro, he shared: "Yes, I know his name."
Diallo further commented: "It requires a profile that ticks many boxes and which can also garner the backing of the French public, as this French football team is the team of the French people.
The FFF head also confirmed they had received "fewer than five applications," all of which were from French candidates. France will face Norway, Senegal and the victors of an Inter-Confederation playoff at this summer's World Cup.
Zidane had previously suggested he was nearing a managerial comeback earlier this season. He said: "It will happen soon. Very soon."
Zidane added: "I'd like to be the head coach of the France team one day. I will surely return to coaching."
Nicolas Anelka, one of Zidane's former colleagues, had earlier shared his thoughts on him assuming control of France, calling him an outstanding choice.
He said: "I don't know if it's official, but I think it will be Zidane. Everyone says it will be him, and he's the best choice; he proved it at Real Madrid. He was a good coach. He will be a good leader for the French players."
While Zidane is expected to resume managerial duties in the coming months, United remain faced with a decision regarding the occupant of the Old Trafford hot seat.
Michael Carrick was installed as Ruben Amorim's replacement earlier this season and has delivered impressive results with seven victories from ten Premier League fixtures - positioning the Red Devils third in the table at the final international break.