PSG contact Zinedine Zidane in case of Mauricio Pochettino exit to Man Utd
By Tom Gott
Paris Saint-Germain have reached out to Zinedine Zidane in an attempt to prepare themselves for the possible departure of current manager Mauricio Pochettino.
As 90min revealed on Monday, Pochettino is one of Manchester United's top targets to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who left the club on Sunday. Alongside Leicester's Brendan Rodgers, Pochettino would be prepared to move to Old Trafford immediately if the right offer arrived.
Pochettino is known to be unsettled in Paris and keen to make a return to the Premier League, and United's interest appears to have worried PSG as ESPN state they have contacted Zidane in anticipation of Pochettino's exit.
While the Argentine has not explicitly requested to leave, there is an acceptance that he could be swayed by United and PSG want to make sure they are prepared for that eventuality - something which United could have done, but failed to do, in Solskjaer's case.
In fact, Le Parisien state that PSG have had plenty of contact with Zidane in recent months. The former Real Madrid boss is PSG's preferred replacement for Pochettino and Zidane is known to be keen on a move to the Parc des Princes as well.
Marca even go as far as to state that those inside the PSG dressing room believe Zidane is coming sooner rather than later.
All this depends on United making an official move for Pochettino - something which sources indicate has not yet happened.
The Red Devils have put Michael Carrick in charge while they search for a new boss. Publicly, they have claimed to be searching for an interim manager to take control until the end of the season, but it is understood that they would be prepared to bring in a permanent chief immediately if the right candidate is available.
Pochettino has not yet made himself completely available, but his unease in Paris is no secret. He has a frosty relationship with club director Leonardo and has failed to settle in the French capital.
He is keen to move back to the Premier League and has long had an eye on the United gig, and there is an awareness that Pochettino may not get another chance to move to Old Trafford if he snubs their advances this time around.