The Portuguese originally brought in the former playmaker to actively involve himself in team affairs, but his transition to sporting director has not gone down well with the coach

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will attempt to force out sporting director Zinedine Zidane at the end of the season, according to Cadena SER.

The France legend returned to Los Blancos as an advisor to incoming president Florentino Perez three years ago, but just months after Mourinho's appointment in May 2010, the Portuguese requested that the Frenchman become involved in first-team affairs.

However, Zidane's appointment as sporting director at the start of the season has reportedly not worked out to Mourinho’s satisfaction."There are claims that he does nothing, there is not a word from him, no action," Spanish journalist Jose Ramon de la Morena told the radio station."Mourinho was looking for someone to crack down against bad referees. He needs someone 'worse' than him."

Mourinho is understood to have the full support of Perez, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to see out their project together.

Last year Real Madrid sacked general manager Jorge Valdano after the 56 year old's relationship with the Spanish giants' coaching staff, especially Jose Mourinho, deteriorated.

The Blancos face Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames on Wednesday and could tie up the Primera Division title with a win against the Basques.