Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel now ‘Manchester United’s No.1 managerial target’ over Mauricio Pochettino with Red Devils hoping to take advantage of unrest at Stamford Bridge

Manchester United are monitoring Thomas Tuchel’s situation at Chelsea as they intensify their search for a new boss, according to a number of reports.

United chiefs have begun the search for a replacement for interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who is set to take up a consultancy role at Old Trafford at the end of the season.

3

Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag of Ajax and Spain’s Luis Enrique have all be previously mooted as potential options, with ex-Tottenham boss Pochettino previously heavily-linked with the hotseat.

However, reports from now claim United are set to test Chelsea's waters and swoop for Tuchel.

It is claimed the Red Devils have been alerted to the potential availability of Tuchel, given the uncertainty surrounding the Blues after the government imposed sanctions on their owner, Roman Abramovich.

A further report from the suggests Tuchel is now at the top of the list for the Red Devils as they look to appoint a new permanent manager in the summer.

Tuchel's contract at Chelsea runs until 2024 and he has stated he will remain at Chelsea until the end of the season, but there are doubts over his long-term future at the London club.

Chelsea have been granted a special licence to operate until 31 May but if they are not sold by then, it is unclear what the consequences will be at this stage.

3

Most read in talkSPORT

Tottenham Hotspur in major blow as club fear key man is set for lengthy spell on sidelines

Harry Kane leads boozy Bundesliga celebrations as he sings iconic song for first time

Mark Williams leaves referee in stitches with comment in historic World Championship final

Cole Palmer apologises over X-rated interview after ending Liverpool's seven-year record

Former PSG and Borussia Dortmund manager Tuchel has impressed United CEO Richard Arnold with a CV which includes winning last season’s Champions League, after turning Chelsea around having replaced Frank Lampard last January.

The 48-year-old also led Chelsea to triumphs in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, and previously reached the finals of the FA Cup and, most recently, the Carabao Cup where they were beaten by Leicester City and Liverpool respectively.

Bookmakers Betfair have installed the Chelsea tactician at 7/2 to switch his allegiances from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford.

 also report Tuchel would be 'open' to speaking with United representatives and hearing their proposals.

3

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher made headlines in recent weeks for suggesting Manchester United should make a 'predatory' move for Tuchel with Chelsea in turmoil off the pitch.

And Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes agrees, saying the Red Devils should be desperately trying to take advantage of the uncertainty.

";I would have gone for Conte or Tuchel," said the former midfiedler.

"It looks like one might be available at the end of the season. Those are two top class coaches that strike fear into players and win, which is the most important thing.

"United, with either one of those managers, would be much better off".