Mauricio Pochettino ‘in shock talks to become new Zenit St Petersburg boss with negotiations over deal underway’

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG are lining up an audacious move to land Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, according to reports.

The ex-Tottenham boss has been out of work since his sacking in North London in November 2019.

He has been linked with high profile moves to Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barcelona.

But any deal has yet to materialise and St Petersburg are ready to take full advantage.

According to publication Championat, the Russian side have made contact with the 48-year-old and negotiations are underway.

Their current manager, Sergei Semak, is in the final year of his contract at the club.

Zenit do have a history of appointing high profile names including Roberto Mancini and Andre Villas Boas in recent years.

But Pochettino is likely to bide his time with reports Real Madrid could make their move with Zinedine Zidane’s position under serious threat.

Los Blancos are struggling to progress from their Champions League group after picking up just a point in their opening two matches.

They lost 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk before snatching a last gasp point at Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday night.

Pochettino has made it no secret of his desire to manage at the Bernabeu.

He stated last year how he wants to be in charge of Los Blancos at one point in his career.

And Pochettino claimed again last month that it was ‘his dream’ to manage Real.