Gareth Southgate snubbed! Poland FA claim that they have rejected offer from ex-England boss to become head coach as he plots return to football

Southgate had put his name forward for the position after Michal Probierz resigned following a bitter feud with Robert Lewandowski. The former England boss has not been involved in football since departing the Three Lions after their European Championship final defeat to Spain last year. Southgate appears to now be considering his options and would be interested in international management again, but the Polish FA have turned down the chance to hire him.

Speaking to Przeglad Sportowy, the president of the Polish FA, Cezary Kulesza, said: "We have received an offer to hire him.

"But we must remember one basic thing: no foreign coach will give us a guarantee that we will qualify for the World Cup.

"If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him immediately."

The comments from Kulesza indicate that the Polish FA would prefer to hire a Polish coach to lead them through World Cup qualification, unless a truly exceptional foreign manager is available. Southgate may be disappointed to be overlooked, having led England to two European Championship finals and a World Cup quarter and semi-final, but will no doubt have suitors if he does wish to continue in international management.

The hunt for a new manager that appeases both the Polish FA and Robert Lewandowski continues. Legendary Germany striker Miroslav Klose, as well as Nenad Bjelica, Winfried Schaefer and Carlos Queiroz offered their services, but are unlikely to be as attractive an option as the snubbed Southgate. Urawa Red Diamonds boss Maciej Skorza has also been considered, but is overseeing the side in the Club World Cup currently.