Zinedine Zidane to become Marseille's manager if Saudi takeover is completed

Zidane led Real Madrid to three-peat in Champions League

According to France Bleu Provence, Zinedine Zidane has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to oversee Olympique de Marseille should the club be purchased by the Gulf State.

Supporters of OM have long fantasised about witnessing Zidane, a Marseillais, on the Vélodrome's sideline. Now, that fantasy feels a little closer. Should Saudi Arabia acquire the team, the previous Real Madrid manager has agreed to take over Les Phocéens.

Zidane's arrival, though, faces a big challenge. OM is not for sale, according to present team owner Frank McCourt, who only acquired the team seven years ago.

However, according to France Bleu Provence, Saudi Arabia is particularly interested in buying the team and "making it the Newcastle United of France."

Zidane requested a €300 million budget in order to accept the position, and Saudi Arabia acceded to his request. Additionally, the Frenchman requested to oversee Marseille's recruitment, and once more, the Gulf State granted his request. The sale of Marseille, though, is the key; Saudi Arabia needs to be persuaded.

It is thought that his arrangement seems to be with Saudi Arabia rather than the club itself.

If the transfer of the team to the Gulf State is successful, he has reportedly agreed to take over as management of Marseille.

The aspiration, however, could have to wait as Marseille's current owner, Frank McCourt, only purchased the team seven years ago and has reaffirmed in recent months that his team is not for sale.