Zidane 'begins' PSG manager talks in major boost to Man Utd's Pochettino hopes

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly opened negotiations to appoint Zinedine Zidane as their next manager in an update of great importance for Manchester United.

Crucially, PSG have altered their stance and they now are open to appointing Zidane mid-season, paving the way for Mauricio Pochettino to move to Old Trafford before next summer.

Pochettino is understood to be United's preferred option to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked on Sunday, but their first approach for the Argentine was rejected earlier this week.

PSG appeared reluctant to make a change in the dugout mid-season and they are under little pressure to let Pochettino leave as he is contracted until 2023.

Instead, they planned to pursue Zidane with a view to appointing him next year, by which time he will have recharged his batteries having left Real Madrid in May.

Would Zinedine Zidane joining Paris Saint-Germain and Mauricio Pochettino joining Manchester United be a good deal for all parties? Have your say in the comments!

However, they have adjusted their plans and during ongoing talks they are discussing the possibility of Zidane replacing Pochettino mid-season, according to Le Parisien.

The report from the French capital is a momentous one as it opens the door to the Red Devils securing their priority managerial target without spending the entire season in limbo with a caretaker in the hot seat.

United's hopes of appointing Pochettino soon will rely on Zidane's talks with PSG progressing smoothly and the Frenchman agreeing to cut short his break to take over at the Parc des Princes.

The Ligue 1 giants will demand £10million in compensation to release Pochettino, who was appointed Thomas Tuchel's replacement in January, from his contract.

They will also desperate to prove to their fans they have the better end of the deal if they take part in the managerial merry-go-round.

Unveiling a manager of Zidane's reputation would be well-received, as he has an astonishing CV despite his relative inexperience.

The iconic former playmaker steered Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018 and won a second La Liga title during his second stint with the club.

PSG have never been crowned champions of Europe and there are lingering doubts over Pochettino's ability to end their barren continental run.

He fell short with Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 final against Liverpool, while Champions League results this season have been underwhelming given the vast quality of the squad.

PSG were forced to settle for a second-place finish in Group A after they were thoroughly outclassed by Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Domestic results have been far better and Pochettino's side sit at the top of Ligue 1 with a commanding 11-point cushion.