Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Diego Maradona tipped for Real Madrid job before move to frustrate Manchester United
MANCHESTER UNITED'S plans to sign Neymar this summer could be dashed if Diego Maradona is appointed Real Madrid's new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.
Diego Maradona (left) could reportedly sign Neymar if he is appointed as Real Madrid's next coach
United are understood to be eyeing another swoop for Brazil international Neymar after having an offer turned down last summer.
Barcelona are trying to lock the striker down to a new contract but talks have reportedly been pushed back until the end of the season.
And Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Real could swoop in for the player if Maradona arrives at the Bernabeu.
It is claimed the 23-year-old would be more willing to play under fellow South American Maradona than France legend Zinedine Zidane.
The former Barcelona striker took Argentina to the 2010 World Cup, where they crashed out in the quarter-finals to Germany 4-0.
This week Maradona admitted his dream of coaching former club Boca Juniors was over after the Brazilian side appointed Guillermo Barros Schelotto as their new coach.
"With this appointment my dream of coaching Boca is through, I am already 56-years-old, he told Fox Sports.
"I hope that Melli [Barros Schelotto] stays at Boca for 10 years.
"Every time there is a big game I will take a plane to see my beloved Boca and say hello to the Mellizo."
Neymar - Spotlight on
Real president Florentino Perez has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of candidates to become the new manager this summer.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, Massimiliano Allegri from Juventus and Germany's Joachim Loew are all said to be on the list.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?