Reports suggest that Zinedine Zidane has a tentative agreement in place to assume the role of manager at Marseille, contingent upon the successful acquisition of the club by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Zidane has been without a managerial position since departing from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. Previously, there were rumors linking him to the managerial position at Manchester United two seasons ago. However, in late 2021, when United officials approached him during the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Zidane dismissed any notion of a move to English football.

The esteemed former midfielder has frequently expressed his desire to return to management, having enjoyed two successful tenures as the head coach of Real Madrid. His time at the helm of the club saw him secure three Champions League titles and two La Liga championships.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously expressed his eagerness to persuade Zidane to make a return to Ligue 1 football. However, it appears that Zidane has little interest in relocating to Paris Saint-Germain, which serves as the arch-rival of his hometown club, Marseille.

A report from France Bleu Provence details Zidane’s theoretical agreement with the PIF, who also happen to be the owners of Newcastle. They are aiming to take control of Marseille from its current owner, Frank McCourt. Despite their interest, it seems that McCourt is currently unwilling to sell.

It is believed that the PIF has identified Marseille as an ideal acquisition due to the club’s status and prominence in French football.

This move comes in light of their regional rivals, Qatar, owning PSG through Qatari Sports Investment (QSI).

The PIF intends to provide substantial financial support to Marseille to enable the club to compete not only domestically but also in European competitions.

There have been speculations about Zidane potentially returning for a third stint as the manager of Real Madrid in Spain, especially amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Carlo Ancelotti, who has been linked to the vacant Brazil managerial position.

However, Ancelotti is expected to remain in his role until the summer, at which point the club may seek a fresh direction.

Speaking earlier this year, Zidane cryptically discussed his future in an interview, stating, “Am I still able to contribute things as a coach? Yes, many things, or I think at least some!”

Zidane is reportedly interested in managerial roles at clubs where he has an emotional connection, including his former clubs Real Madrid and Juventus, as well as his boyhood team Marseille, even though he never played for them professionally.

Olympique Marseille performance and stats

Olympique Marseille is currently 8th in the Ligue 1 with 9 points.

In the last 6 games, it has won twice, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Olympique Marseille lost 4-0 against Paris Saint Germain.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 7 goals and conceding 8.​

Olympique Marseille will play the next match in Ligue 1 against Monaco on Saturday 30th of September in Monaco. The prediction is Monaco winning the match.​

Newcastle United performance and stats

Newcastle United is currently 8th in the Premier League with 9 points.

In the last 6 games, it has won 3 times and lost 3 times. In its last match, Newcastle United won 0-8 against Sheffield United.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 16 goals and conceding 7.​

Newcastle United will play the next match in Premier League against Burnley on Saturday 30th of September in Newcastle upon Tyne. The prediction is Newcastle United winning the match.​

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