The FA is in talks with representatives of Thomas Tuchel, with the German coach in pole position to become the new England manager, Sky Sports News has been told.
This story is now outdated. Thomas Tuchel has agreed to become the new England manager. Read the full story here.
Tuchel has been out of work since May when he left Bayern Munich, and Sky Sports News reported two weeks ago that there had been no formal approach from the FA – to Tuchel or to a number of the other leading candidates – including Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe.
However, it is thought that the FA has accelerated their search for a successor to Gareth Southgate in recent days, after the Nations League defeat to Greece and interim manager Lee Carsley’s confused messaging over his future.
England interim manager Lee Carsley Pic: Reuters
While there was an initial inquiry to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s people, shortly after Southgate resigned in July, Sky Sports News have been told there has been no further developments in that area, and while he is hugely admired by senior figures at the FA, Guardiola is not currently thought to be an active candidate.
It now appears that Tuchel is the FA’s primary choice, and he could quickly be confirmed in the role if negotiations progress well – though much of the detail about his contract has yet to be agreed.
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The FA technical director John McDermott is known to want a coach with a proven track record of winning trophies, which is where Tuchel scores highly.
He has won league titles with both Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, and the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup with Chelsea.
It is thought that, even though Tuchel was technically placed on gardening leave by Bayern, the FA would be required to pay no compensation to the German giants.