Zinedine Zidane 'would prefer to manage Man United over Bayern Munich' and is 'monitoring the situation at Old Trafford'... DESPITE being 'close' to a deal to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bundesliga giants

Zinedine Zidane is reportedly close to signing a managerial deal Bayern Munich but there is one major stumbling block - he'd rather coach Manchester United. 

The football legend is said to be closely monitoring Erik ten Hag's situation at United despite closing in on an agreement with Bayern. 

Zidane, 51, has won three Champions League titles and two LaLiga crowns with Real Madrid and is seen as someone who can bring instant success. 

The easier prospect of trophies with Bayern appeals to him but he sees living in Bavaria and his limited German skills as roadblocks. 

L'Equipe reports that Zidane has reservations about signing on the dotted line with Bayern as a result - which could open the door for United it they acted swiftly. 

Mail Sport has already written about how Zidane is reportedly 'one step away' from sealing a move to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern. 

Bayern announced that they would sack Tuchel in February amid a disappointing season but have let him stay on until the end of the campaign. They could yet win the Champions League. 

Their financial muscle, stellar players, history, and position of competing for the highest honours each year makes them an enthralling prospect. 

However, Zidane is understood to have a slightly better grasp of English than German, which might make him more confident with a move to Old Trafford. 

Ten Hag is fighting for his future at United with the club in danger of missing out on European football entirely next season. Even if he lifts the FA Cup, that might not be enough to save his skin.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly 'dreams' of appointing Zidane after becoming the club's partial owner. 

The United investor, who recently acquired a 27.7% stake in the club in exchange for £1.3bn, has been quick to start making changes behind-the-scenes at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have already appointed Manchester City executive Omar Berrada as the club's new CEO and Dan Ashworth will join from Newcastle as sporting director, though he is currently on gardening leave. 

ENcouragingly for United, ESPN have reported that no talks have taken place between Zidane and Bayern - a claim that completely contradicts that of French newspaper L'Equipe and various Spanish outlets.