An unlikely new manager for Harry Kane?! Failed Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick emerges as shock candidate for Bayern Munich job as Xabi Alonso drifts out of reach

The Bavarian giants are still hopeful of landing the Leverkusen boss as Thomas Tuchel's replacement. But with a decision from the in-demand Alonso unlikely to arrive soon, Bayern's top brass are making contingency plans, with Kicker reporting that Rangnick has emerged as the main alternative.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi also has his admirers at the club but a preference for a candidate who speaks German has apparently put Rangnick in line for a surprise shot at one of Europe's top jobs.

Bayern's announcement last month that Tuchel would depart at the end of the season immediately made Alonso the prime candidate for the role. But with jobs at Liverpool and Barcelona also available this summer, it's far from certain that Bayern will get their own way.

Complicating matters is Leverkusen's pursuit of a historic first Bundesliga title. Alonso has been understandably reluctant to discuss his future as his side close out a so-far unbeaten season, while also eyeing a domestic cup and the Europa League.

Rangnick took over as interim manager of United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal in November 2021. His spell at Old Trafford was, however, not a happy one as the Reds slumped to a lowest-ever Premier League points total of 58.

Bayern take on rivals Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker in the unusual position of having little riding on the outcome with Alonso's Leverkusen holding a commanding 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with just eight rounds remaining.