The Football Association (FA) has intensified its search for Gareth Southgate's successor as England manager, with Thomas Tuchel emerging as the frontrunner for the role.
Sky Sports News reports that the FA is currently in talks with Tuchel's representatives, signalling a potential swift appointment.
The accelerated process comes in the wake of England's recent Nations League defeat to Greece and confusion surrounding interim manager Lee Carsley's future.
Tuchel, who has been unemployed since leaving Bayern Munich in May, is now considered the primary choice for the position, with negotiations progressing rapidly.
Tuchel's strong candidacy stems from his impressive trophy-winning record, aligning with the FA's preference for a coach with proven success.
The German has clinched league titles with both Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, as well as securing the Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup with Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel is the FA's preferred choice as England manager
PA
John McDermott, the FA technical director, is reportedly keen on appointing a manager with a history of winning silverware.
This criterion significantly bolsters Tuchel's position as the leading contender for the England job, potentially marking him as only the third non-English manager of the men's national team.
The FA's search has been wide-ranging, with an initial enquiry made to Pep Guardiola shortly after Southgate's resignation in July.
However, Sky Sports News reports that Guardiola is not currently an active candidate, despite being highly regarded by FA officials.
Other potential candidates have included Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe.
The latter, currently managing Newcastle, recently stated he had no interest in the England job.
Potter, formerly of Chelsea, has expressed openness to the role, describing it as a "fantastic job" during a recent Sky Sports appearance.
Should negotiations with Tuchel progress smoothly, a swift confirmation of his appointment could be on the horizon.
Lee Carsley appears to be running out of time as England boss
Reuters
However, key details of his contract remain to be finalised.
The potential appointment of Tuchel would mark a significant moment for English football, as he would become only the third non-English manager to lead the men's national team, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
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Pep Guardiola was sounded out earlier this season
PA
This move underscores the FA's commitment to securing top-tier managerial talent, regardless of nationality.
Notably, the FA would not be required to pay compensation to Bayern Munich for Tuchel's services, despite his technical gardening leave status.
