Ralf Rangnick to coach Harry Kane? Ex-Man Utd boss confirms 'contact' with Bayern Munich as he refuses to rule out leaving Austria national team

The former Manchester United boss has emerged as the favourite to take over the Bavarian giants when Tuchel steps down at the end of the season. Rangnick is currently manager of the Austria national team and is preparing for Euro 2024, where his side are due to take on France, Poland and the Netherlands in the group stages. However, he has been asked about speculation linking him with Bayern and has admitted there's been in contact with the club.

Bayern's top choice had been Xavi Alonso but the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager has confirmed he plans to stay with Bayer Leverkusen after guiding his team to a first-ever Bundesliga triumph. It's thought Bayern could therefore turn to Rangnick for a season with a view to trying to bring in Alonso again in 2025.

He told reporters: "Bayern Munich have contacted me and I have also informed the OFB (Austrian Football Association). We have a very trusting relationship. My focus is on the Austrian national team. We are completely focussed on the European Championship. I feel very comfortable here. At the moment, there’s no reason for me to focus intensively and specifically on that."

Rangnick was pressed further on what moment could make him change his mind and added: "The moment Bayern would say, ‘We want you’. And then I have to ask myself, ‘Do I even want this?’ If I want to do something else, I will first discuss it with the OFB. We want to look after this team (Austria) as well as possible — and do as well as possible. I have a close and trusting relationship with my team. It won’t play better just because I say, ‘I’ll definitely be here for the next four years.'”

Rangnick managed just 10 wins from 24 Premier League games as manager of United. He also oversaw seven defeats with his team scoring 33 goals and conceding the same amount.

Bayern are clearly interested in bringing in Rangnick but it remains to be seen for now if the Austria coach can be tempted to move to the Bavarian giants. Rangnick endured a difficult spell in charge of Man Utd but has prior experience in the Bundesliga having coached Stuttgart, Hannover, Hoffenheim, Schalke and RB Leipzig.