Zidane rejected rumors that Newcastle United would become their next manager

Former Real Madrid boss Zidane has reportedly "rejected rumors that Newcastle United will become their next manager".

Steve Bruce replaced Rafael Benitez at Newcastle ahead of the 2019/20 season.

So far, the former Sunderland boss has led the Magpies safely into the Premier League during his two years at the helm.

Newcastle, however, has had a poor start to the season. From the first seven games of the season, they have yet to win in the league.

The club's Saudi-led acquisition was completed last week. Amanda Stavilli, who is their new co-owner, revealed Friday that Bruce will remain in charge this weekend.

The Magpies will face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, which will be Bruce's 1,000th game in charge. However, the 60-year-old is still expected to lose his job.

According to The Mirror, Newcastle showed interest in Zidane. But he "rejected [these] voices" because he believed he could become the new French boss.

Elsewhere, Ian Rush suggested Bruce was "worth a chance" under his new owners in Newcastle. But he lists Zidane and Roberto Mancini as ideal candidates to succeed him:

"I think Steve Bruce is doing a good job. I think he deserves a chance to stay there," Rush said.

"You have to be realistic – Newcastle can still be relegated. Steve Bruce, if he's still in charge, he's definitely going to keep them and he deserves the chance.

"If he (Bruce) doesn't have a chance, who are you looking at? If you look at the size of Newcastle, the wealth they have, you see people like Zidane or Roberto Mancini, they can do a great job.

"I think you're going to see a foreign manager. But I think Steve Bruce definitely deserves the opportunity to see what he can do. ”

Rush added that Newcastle's Saudi-led acquisition was "great for fans":

"I'm really, really happy for them because I've been with Newcastle for a year and I know what the supporters are like.

"They're absolutely fantastic, even if they don't succeed and every home game sells out. I think it's what they deserve.

"It may not happen overnight, you have to be realistic, but it's great for the city and great for the fans. They deserve it. ”