Real Madrid Identify Replacement For Zinedine Zidane

The pressure has been mounting on Zinedine Zidane, so it's no surprise to read reports that Real have already identified their preferred replacement if results don't improve.

After a sublime double-winning season last term, things have been very poor of late, with Los Blancos currently in fourth place in the league and 19 points behind Barcelona.

The shock Copa Del Rey defeat to Leganes has only added to Zidane's woes - and gives the Champions League round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain further importance.

Images: PA

According to Adam Crafton of the Daily Mail, Real are stepping up their pursuit of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and have made initial contact.

Despite not winning any trophies to show for it, Pochettino has earned plaudits for the job he has done at Spurs and his importance to Tottenham cannot be overstated.

The Argentine has a contract until 2021 and the plan is for him to lead Spurs into their newly renovated stadium next season. It is, however, noted in the report that Pochettino is said to be "tempted" at the possibility of managing the 12-time European champions.

He also didn't rule out the switch in his recent press conference ahead of the trip to play Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Spurs are no doubt desperate to keep him, particularly because there is no release clause in his deal and the first-team futures of the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and co. would come further into question if he did move to the Spanish capital.

With Zidane's potential dismissal very much a possibility, it's believed Real wouldn't turn to Pochettino come in immediately if they did become managerless but would hope he takes the reins in the summer, where he would be handed big funds to strengthen the side.

Zinedine Zidane's Premier League XI:

As per Crafton, the North Londoners, who have lost several of their big stars to Real in recent years, remain confident Pochettino will be sticking around and not returning to Spain.

Do you think Zidane will get the boot? Would Pochettino be the perfect fit?

Topics: Spurs, Football News, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, PSG, Mauricio Pochettino, Premier League, Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, La Liga

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_