Zinedine Zidane is now odds-on to replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, amid claims that the club have already made contact with him.

The French legend is currently out of work having decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, having guided them to three successive Champions League titles.

Zidane has admitted in recent weeks that he is ready to get back into management, and he is now firm favourite to step in at United – should the decide to part company with Mourinho.

Mourinho is odds-on to leave United before the New Year arrives and is firm favourite to the first Premier League manager to leave his job this season, amid United’s worst start to a season this century and his ongoing off-field issues – including his spat with record signing Paul Pogba.

Reports in the Middle East and France claim that United’s representatives have made contact with Zidane’s camp – although sources close to the Old Trafford hierarchy have denied that.

But that now Bookmakers and punters alike are seemingly convinced that Zidane will replace the Portuguese.

The bookies now make the Portuguese boss 11/10 favourite in the Sack Race, and 10/11 says Zidane steps in.

Antonio Conte is next in the betting at 6/1 ahead of Mauricio Pochettino (12/1), but as things stand the French boss is clear favourite for the Old Trafford gig.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “It won’t be long before Jose is sent packing and all the signs point towards Zidane replacing him.”