Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is now the ‘first name’ on Bayern Munich’s shortlist as they look for a new manager, according to reports.
Last month, it was announced that Thomas Tuchel would be leaving Bayern at the end of the season with the German giants on course to finish trophyless for the first time since 2012.
His side were knocked out of the German Cup by a third-tier club and are 10 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga with just eight games to go.
They still have a shot at the Champions League but have ended up on the tough side of the draw as even if they beat Arsenal in the quarter-finals they’ll be up against the favourites Manchester City or Real Madrid in the semis.
Leverkusen boss and former Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso has emerged as the early frontrunner to take the reins at the Allianz Arena, with reports suggesting he was the club’s top target.
The Spaniard has worked wonders at Leverkusen with his side still unbeaten across all competitions this season, with that undefeated run now at 38 games.
Another one of Alonso’s former clubs Liverpool are also very interested in his services though he may still remain at BayArena come the start of next season.
However, a new report from Italian outlet la Repubblica, via talkSPORT, Conte is actually the ‘first name’ on Bayern’s list of managerial targets and is viewed as a ‘priority’ appointment.
The 54-year-old has been out of work since getting sacked by Spurs almost a year ago today after an ill-fated 17 months in North London.
One of the most successful managers of his generation, Conte has won four Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter Milan, as well as the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017.
Despite his time with Tottenham ending on a very toxic note, he is still well thought of and it is said he was contacted by Bayern a few months ago though negotiations have not been easy.
A move to Munich would see Conte reunite with former Spurs stars Harry Kane and Eric Dier, with the former one of the few players the Italian was able to get the best out of.
The England captain scored 43 goals and made 14 assists in 75 appearances under the manager – numbers he is close to matching in his first season at Bayern in far fewer games.
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