French boss Zinedine Zidane is now said to be ready to accept a new role after reportedly reaching an agreement with Saudi Arabia.
The tactician has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021, after going the entire 2020/21 campaign without winning a trophy.
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It was widely believed that the former Los Blancos tactician had been holding out for one specific role, namely the France national team job.
Hopes of landing that position has evaporated over the past few months, though, with Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps having signed a contract extension keeping him at the team's helm until at least the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
That said, Zidane is understood to have rejected several offers since his departure from Real two years ago, including international and club coaching roles, with reports suggesting he turned down the chance to take charge of the United States, teams in Saudi Arabia, and Manchester United.
However, the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner could finally be set to return to management after a lengthy sabbatical.
According to France Bleu Provence, Zidane has reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia to become the manager of Olympique Marseille in the event that the country buys the French club in the near future.
The Saudis are said to be aiming to make the Ligue 1 side the Newcastle United of France following the Magpies' impressive rise in prominence after the Public Investment Fund's takeover of them in October 2021.
The report also claims that the three-time UEFA Champions League-winning boss has already asked for a €300 million (R6 billion) budget to take the role, with the Saudis said to have agreed to this demand.
However, one obstacle remains: current Marseille owner Frank McCourt has repeatedly stated that the team is not for sale.
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Gennaro Gattuso was appointed the new Marseille head coach earlier this week, replacing Marcelino, who had parted ways with the club last week, but should the Saudi Arabians' takeover of the Olympians be successful, it appears Zidane is set to step into the helm at the Stade Velodrome after the Italian.
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