Thomas Tuchel 'priority' as Man United manager hunt takes twist

Thomas Tuchel is edging closer to signing a new contract to stay on as Bayern Munich manager in a move that could be seen as a blow to Manchester United.

Sky Germany are reporting that Tuchel is now set to remain in charge of Bayern next season after discussions held between senior club figures and his agents on Wednesday. The former Chelsea manager wants to sign a new two-year contract at the Allianz Arena.

While current United boss Erik ten Hag and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi remain candidates for the Bayern job, the club's 'priority' is now to keep Tuchel.

ALSO READ: 'Same in training' - Amad opens up on Mainoo relationship after United goals

ALSO READ: United have new roles for three FA Cup final starters after Newcastle win

If he does sign a new deal that would rule him out of contention to take over at United if Ineos decide to part ways with Ten Hag at the end of this season. While Tuchel always looked an uneasy fit for the new regime he was the most high-profile manager to be linked with the vacancy and was the bookmakers favourite for the job.

Bayern announced in February that Tuchel would leave this summer after 15 months in the job but they have been thwarted in their attempts to replace him, with Julian Naglesmann and Ralf Rangnick opting to remain in charge of Germany and Austria respectively. That has led Bayern to consider a U-turn on Tuchel, who guided the club to the brink of the Champions League final before Real Madrid's dramatic comeback.

At Old Trafford Ineos are yet to make a definitive decision on the future of Ten Hag, who oversaw a crucial 3-2 win against Newcastle on Wednesday and has the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.

Former United striker Michael Owen, speaking to BoyleSports, pushed the credentials of Tuchel recently when raising the issue of the lack of clear candidates to replace Ten Hag.

"There is a shortage of managers right now, though. Look at Zidane, he doesn't speak much English so I'm not sure Man Utd would be on his radar personally," he said.

"Tuchel would be an interesting one. I think a lot of Chelsea fans regret parting with Tuchel. He is the one big name capable of the job."