Zinedine Zidane is reportedly close to quitting Real Madrid for the second time in the space of just over a year.
The three-time Champions League winning manager sensationally walked away from the Bernabeu in May 2018 – just days after beating Liverpool in Kiev.
After the appointments of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari proved disastrous, Florentino Perez once again turned to Zidane in the hope of bringing success back to the Spanish capital.
So far, the second spell in charge has not gone according to play for Zidane as he could only muster a third placed finish in LaLiga – some 19 points off bitter rivals Barcelona.
And the failure to sign Paul Pogba has reportedly pushed the 47-year-old to breaking point.
Spanish journalist Diego Torres has told The Independent: “Not signing Pogba puts Zidane on the brink of resigning.
“Zidane personally promised Pogba he would bring him to Madrid, and now he is left looking bad.
Former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón talks about Pogba and Bale’s future
“This has only increased the lack of confidence between Zidane and Florentino [Perez].”
In yet another twist to the strange turn of events, Zidane is also reportedly considering sending out Luka Jovic on loan – two months after splashing out £62million on the 21-year-old.
Below, talkSPORT.com have looked at the potential candidates to replace Zidane at the Bernabeu if he walks once again.
According to bookmakers Paddy Power, these are the favourites for the Real Madrid job.
Mauricio Pochettino – 5/4
The Argentine was linked with a move to the Bernabeu all of last summer
Unai Emery – 16/1
Unai Emery has managed in LaLiga before with Sevilla and Valencia
Jurgen Klopp 14/1
Jurgen Klopp has led Liverpool to back-to-back Champions League finals
