Juventus have reportedly identified Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as their primary target to replace current boss Andrea Pirlo.

Pirlo has struggled in his first managerial role this campaign and his tenure at the helm of the Turin giants has led to Juve falling out the title race, slipping 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan.

According to the Daily Mail, Zidane was Juventus' first choice to take over when Massimiliano Allegri left the club almost two years ago and that is still the case.

When it was not possible to lure the Frenchman away from Madrid they turned to former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri and then Pirlo, both of whom look like only lasting one season at the helm.

Zidane is still highly thought of, particularly by Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, who is under the impression that the Frenchman is the right man to replace Pirlo.

The Juventus hierarchy feel that they have a group of talented players who are capable of competing for the Champions League and dominating in Italy, but they need someone who can get the best out of them as opposed to Pirlo, and they feel Zidane could be that person.

Zidane has won three Champions League crowns and two La Liga titles during his time in charge of Los Blancos. body check tags ::