Juventus Target Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid Line Up Ex-Juve Boss as Replacement
Juventus are reported to be considering an approach to make Zinedine Zidane their next manager, with former Juve coach Max Allegri in line for a move in the opposite direction.
Real sit top of La Liga at present but their long-term future under Zidane is very much in doubt. His second spell at the club has been tumultuous, and though they are on course for league success as things stand, their domestic record has left plenty to be desired.
Throw into that reported discontent from Sergio Ramos and other senior figures within the squad, and there would be no real surprise if he was to depart this summer.
Meanwhile at Juventus, it's a similar story with Maurizio Sarri. They remain in contention for both the Champions League and the Serie A title, but the ex-Chelsea manager's methods are proving less than popular, and there is a growing feeling he will be off in the summer.
With all that in mind, the Mail are reporting that Zidane is a serious target for Juventus, and that the positive relationship between the clubs means a deal is far from unlikely.
They note that Zidane is a highly-respected figure in Turin after spending five years there as a player, and his existing relationship with Juve president Andrea Agnelli - coupled with his Champions League pedigree - means he is their primary target.
They note further that though his contract with Real runs until 2022, Juve would not be expected to pay a fee, owing to the mutual respect between Zidane and Real chief Florentino Perez.
Were he to depart, Real, it's believed, would be considering a move for Max Allegri, who left Juventus in the summer after five trophy-laden years in Turin.
He remains under contract despite his departure from the managerial role which is said to be the reason behind his refusal to join Real previously. With Zidane allegedly heading to Italy, and Allegri having been out of work for almost a year now, however, it may have a different outcome this time around.
Juve want Zidane to come in and win them the Champions League while Real are after a coach to deliver sustained domestic dominance.