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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel’s preference is to return to the Premier League this summer despite interest from Barcelona, a source has told ESPN.
Tuchel is set to leave Bayern at the end of the season, despite leading them to the semifinals of the Champions League.
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A source has told ESPN that Barcelona have made the 50-year-old a candidate to take over from Xavi Hernandez, who is also set to leave his post this summer.
But Tuchel, who managed Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022, would prefer to take a job in England.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss has not ruled out joining Barcelona if they were to make him an offer, but a source has told ESPN he has concerns about the stability of the club, in particular how a lack of transfer funds would hamper plans to strengthen the squad.
Former Mexico international Rafael Márquez and former Germany coach Hansi Flick are also being considered by Barcelona.
Tuchel would be open to speaking to Manchester United if a vacancy opened up.
Current United boss Erik ten Hag is under pressure at Old Trafford after a disappointing second season in charge coupled with the arrival of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Club sources have told ESPN they are yet to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future, but the Dutchman’s prospects have been damaged by a run of poor form including the capitulation against Coventry City in the FA Cup semifinal on Sunday.
United threw away a three-goal lead before winning on penalties and there is a growing feeling around the club that, with Champions League qualification almost out of reach, Ten Hag is on thin ice.
Sources have told ESPN that there is support inside Ratcliffe’s team for Tuchel if Ten Hag departs and representatives have been asked to be kept informed of developments regarding the German’s future.
Tuchel, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, has enjoyed success in the competition with Bayern this season with his team set to face Real Madrid in the semifinals.
However, he has overseen an underwhelming domestic campaign, surrendering the German title for the first time since 2012 and losing in the second round of the German cup.
It was announced in February that Tuchel would leave Bayern at the end of the season.
Attempts to persuade Julian Nagelsmann to rejoin the club have come to nothing with the 36-year-old signing a new deal to stay in charge of the Germany national team until 2026.