Zinedine Zidane is set to make a sensational return as Real Madrid manager, according to reports in Spain.

The Frenchman resigned at the Bernabeu at the end of last season following a third successive Champions League title.

But the club has since struggled, with Julen Lopetegui fired after a disastrous start to the season and Santiago Solari unable to navigate Los Blancos past the last 16 in Europe, with Ajax handing them a humiliating exit.

And Solari now looks set to be the second sacking of the season at the Bernabeu, despite winning 4-1 at Real Valladolid at the weekend.

Zidane has taken a sabbatical from the game but has persistently been linked with a return, with Manchester United and Juventus also strongly linked, but he now appears to have accepted an offer to make a spectacular return to Madrid.

Champions League power rankings Show all 9 1 /9 Champions League power rankings Champions League power rankings Ranking the last eight teams in the Champions League Who is most likely to win the tournament as we reach the knockout stages? AFP/Getty Images Champions League power rankings 8. Porto The outsiders, who every other team will most want to draw, but showed vs Roma that the Dragao EPA Champions League power rankings 7. Ajax Fearless youth and exceptional talent stunned Real Madrid, though it will be tough to repeat AFP/Getty Images Champions League power rankings 6. Tottenham Efficiently dispatched Dortmund in both legs, showing they are now calm when under pressure at this level AFP/Getty Images Champions League power rankings 5. Manchester United The comeback vs PSG has galvanised them but despite Solskjaer performing miracles, they have glaring holes Man Utd via Getty Images Champions League power rankings 4. Barcelona With Messi, anything is possible, but incredibly despite thrashing Lyon at the Nou Camp, they looked vulnerable when the visitors halved the deficit and were one goal away from advancing AFP/Getty Images Champions League power rankings 3. Juventus Ronaldo once again showing he is Mr Champions League in the remarkable comeback vs Atletico and now a serious threat to finally clinch that elusive title AFP/Getty Champions League power rankings 2. Liverpool Outclassed Bayern in Munich and appear to be finally heating up in attack. Van Dijk has arguably emerged as the best defender in the world, with Alisson proving a clear upgrade for last year's finalists AFP/Getty Images Champions League power rankings 1. Manchester City Demolished Schalke and look to be irresistible going forward with great depth to their squad and no particular reliance on one player Getty Images

La Sexta on El Chiringuito de Jugones have reported Zidane will be announced as the next permanent manager of Real Madrid tonight.

Zidane could even take training on Tuesday, the report adds, with Celta Vigo at home likely to be the first game in charge of his second spell.

Solari has endured a miserable month in charge, with exit in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, as well as falling well off the pace in La Liga.

Their season was effectively ended with their home defeat to Ajax and the search for a new manager seemingly beginning.

Zinedine Zidane attends a press conference (Getty)

With Madrid now 12 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and Atletico Madrid five points ahead in second, big changes are expected this summer.

Sergio Ramos had earlier called for unity after coming under fierce criticism following his deliberate yellow card to miss the crucial second leg against Ajax.

"Absolutely it was an error and I take the blame 200 per cent," Ramos said.

"We're not going to let defeat stop us. It's our obligation to carry on, to work and to evolve.