Thomas Tuchel frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, Newcastle eye Jarrod Bowen - Paper Round

Thomas Tuchel is the most likely candidate to replace Erik ten Hag should the Manchester United manager lose his job this summer.

That is according to the Guardian, which claims the Red Devils are most impressed with the German’s temperament and CV.

“Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager should the club decide on a change,” the report reads.

“He is understood to have the requisite profile as an accomplished tactician with vast experience of working in major clubs. Tuchel is a free agent having just finished with Bayern Munich and has previously led clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, the latter position meaning the German has a track record in the Premier League.

“There is confidence at United that he has the temperament to handle seasoned players and an admiration of a CV that includes winning the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea.

“Ipswich Town’s Kieran ¬McKenna, who is a target for Chelsea and Brighton, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, the England manager, Gareth Southgate, and Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea on Tuesday, are also on the shortlist.”

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen are reportedly on Newcastle's summer list of targets.

Bowen enjoyed a standout season with The Hammers, scoring 16 goals and laying on six assists in 34 league games, while Calvert-Lewin found the net seven times in 32 league appearances for The Toffees.

The Telegraph claims both players have been identified by Newcastle's recruitment team.

"Newcastle United are lining up a double deal for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen with both men featuring prominently in recruitment meetings," states the outlet.

"Newcastle are aware both moves are complicated, as well as expensive, and they will need to sell players to fund their own recruitment this summer.

"But the interest in both players is genuine and they are both on what is described as a very short list of targets this summer.

"The interest in Bowen is long-standing and he is universally admired among the Newcastle hierarchy. Signing a right winger is Newcastle’s top priority this summer and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is another target. However, Newcastle are well aware there are plenty of other clubs interested in Olise and fear they will miss out on the exciting 22-year-old with Manchester United also long-term admirers.

"Bowen is the other player they have discussed to fill the right wing berth after he scored 20 goals last season for West Ham and forced his way into the England squad.

"Calvert-Lewin has been tracked for the last two years and with Callum Wilson expected to leave – with clubs in Saudi Arabia interested in the England international – he would be a direct replacement for the 32-year-old."

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is still interested in moving to Chelsea despite the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, it has been claimed.

Duran, who scored five goals in 23 league games this season, has long been linked with a move to The Blues.

"A Premier League star is still reportedly keen to make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer, despite Chelsea not even having a manager in place," writes the Mail.

Mauricio Pochettino left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday evening at the end of a whirlwind campaign that saw his side shock many by managing to qualify for Europa League football.

It came at the end of a season of uncertainty at Chelsea, with Pochettino's position under mass scrutiny during much of 2023-24 as the Blues struggled for consistency.

However, they may yet remain a go-to destination for young talents despite an under-whelming season, with one Premier League striker still keen to make the move after being linked back in January, according to their agent.

Aston Villa forward John Duran's agent has been open in claiming that his client is still of interest to Chelsea, as it was never about Pochettino wanting the player, but the club. 

Wayne Rooney has had discussions with Plymouth Argyle as the Championship club steps up their drive to recruit a new manager.

Rooney has been out of work since being dismissed by Birmingham in January, losing nine of his 15 games in charge.

"Wayne Rooney is in line for a potential return to management with Championship club Plymouth Argyle," claims The Telegraph.

"Rooney, the former England and Manchester United captain, is understood to have been approached for an interview this week and is a candidate to take charge.

"Sacked by Birmingham in January after a run of nine defeats in 15 games, Rooney is keen to make a comeback in the technical area to rebuild his reputation as a manager.

"Argyle are searching for a new manager after the dismissal of Ian Foster and their pursuit of Rooney is being driven by the club’s director of football Neil Dewsnip."

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