Representatives of Gareth Southgate have reportedly held talks with officials at a Premier League club.
The England manager is currently preparing to lead the Three Lions at Euro 2024, a competition his team are the favourites to win.
However, there remains doubt over Southgate's next move after the tournament in Germany, his contract with the Football Association only lasting until the end of the year.
Southgate has stated on more than one occasion that he is fully focused on the task at hand and does not want to entertain any talks with interested parties.
Nevertheless, with any admirers in the process of making decisions over their managers for 2024-25 and beyond, there would realistically need to be discussions before the end of Euro 2024 if Southgate had interest in returning to club football.
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Southgate remains on Manchester United shortlist
According to a report in Foot Mercato, Southgate remains high up on the shortlist of United officials ahead of the end of the season.
Reports are persisting that Erik ten Hag will removed from his position in the United dugout after a prolonged run of inconsistent form that could see the club miss out on Europe.
Having won just one of their last six fixtures in the Premier League, the Red Devils have dropped down to eighth position in the standings ahead of a closing triple-header of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
While Ten Hag could still end the season with the FA Cup, it seems unlikely to be enough to convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe, his INOES associates and the incoming figures to Old Trafford that he remains the right man to lead United forward.
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Southgate has 'the ideal profile'
The report suggests that Southgate is deemed to have 'the ideal profile' to take on the reins at the Theatre of Dreams later in the summer.
Discussions are allegedly heading in a positive direction and it is suggested that an agreement could soon be found between the respective parties.
Any official announcement may come after Euro 2024, although that appears unrealistic given the speculation that would mirror any developments behind the scenes.
Southgate has won 57 of his 93 matches in charge of England, reaching the Euro 2020 final and 2018 World Cup semi-finals, but he has not managed a domestic club since leaving Middlesbrough in 2009.
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has also been recently linked with United and is said to feature on a shortlist of three other alternatives.
