Zinedine Zidane is reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Bayern Munich (Getty)
Bayern Munich have indicated that they are not in talks with Zinedine Zidane and claim their replacement for Thomas Tuchel will be announced ‘soon’.
Earlier this week, Julian Nagelsmann, who was one of Bayern’s top candidates, ruled himself out of contention by signing a contract extension with Germany’s national team.
On Friday, reports in Spain claimed that Bayern are close to reaching an agreement with Zidane to become Tuchel’s successor this summer.
However, Bayern director, Max Eberl, said on Saturday that the club are seeking a manager who is able to speak German or English and is unsure if Zidane meets that criteria.
Asked whether the new Bayern manager had to speak German, Eberl said: ‘No, I didn’t say that either but he should speak English.’
When asked about Zidane, Eberl replied: ‘I don’t know if he speaks English.’
Julian Nagelsmann signed a contract extension with Germany’s national team this week (Getty)
On Bayern’s search for a new manager, Eberl added: ‘Ideally we would like to have a new coach by the end of April, if it takes a little longer, it will take a little longer.
‘We want to do it quickly, but we also have to do it right. We are at the very final stage now and hope to be able to announce something soon.
‘Bayern is a big club. You notice that in every conversation. Respect is often strong from the other party. It’s also a chance to change a few things as you want at such a big club. We want, we need 100 percent support.’
When asked about Nagelsmann’s decision to reject Bayern, Eberl suggested that the club’s decision to sack the 36-year-old during his skiing holiday a year ago remains an issue.
‘I wouldn’t call it a rejection,’ Eberl said.
‘It is clear that we have to talk to coaches in order to find a manager. We have a list.
‘It was the same with Julian. At some point you noticed… the sting from back then is still deep, the separation is still very fresh. That would be too early for him and that’s okay.
‘I’m incredibly happy for German football because we want to play a good European Championship and we have a very, very good coach for that.’
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