Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would welcome an approach from Manchester United, if the uncertainty engulfing the Blues lingers for a prolonged period.
The German’s stock was already high having masterminded last year’s Champions League triumph, but the way in which he has handled Chelsea’s current crisis is believed to have impressed senior figures at Old Trafford.
The Red devils are expected to accelerate their plans to hire a new manager after Tuesday night’s Champions League elimination against Atletico Madrid.
Pochettino and Erik ten Hag have been the leading contenders but PSG’s own European exit has tarnished the former Tottenham manager’s credentials, while the Ajax boss was coy on his own future after the defeat against Benfica.
According to The Athletic, meanwhile, Tuchel has given some Chelsea’s potential new owners an indication he is happy to stay, but could be tempted to join United should the picture change for the worse at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, meanwhile, overcame a minor scare against Lille to advance to the last eight of the Champions League and move a step closer to defending the title they won last May.
Roman Abramovich’s UK and now EU sanctions amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continue to bite hard for the London club, who cannot sell any new tickets to fans.
Now UEFA expect Chelsea will not be able to have supporters at future Champions League games while Abramovich is the club’s owner.
Chelsea’s sale continues to move close, and the club could even have a new owner by the Champions League’s April quarter-finals.
A new face in the owner’s seat would alleviate the threat of behind-closed-doors matches, but Tuchel was in no mood to speculate after the win in France.
When asked about the prospect of playing without supporters, Tuchel said: ‘Thanks for ruining my evening! “I was in such a good mood, can we speak about it when it’s confirmed? Let’s wait for the confirmation of the confirmation.
‘Let’s see, today I’m happy that we are in the last eight. There were a lot of things to overcome, so I’m so happy and so proud. So let’s see. It’s the first thing I hear now.
‘In three days we play Middlesbrough in the cup, then we have the national break, and then I’ll think about a good answer. The fans are outside right now and it was brilliant to be with them.’
