Julian Nagelsmann is considering making a U-turn on his plans and returning to management early to replace Graham Potter at Chelsea.
Potter was sacked by the Blues on Sunday night after winning just 12 of his 31 games in charge at Stamford Bridge. Nagelsmann quickly became the frontrunner to replace him on a permanent basis, with the German currently without a club.
He was sacked himself during the most recent international break, with Bayern Munich replacing him with Thomas Tuchel. That decision was made amid concerns about Bayern's performance in the Bundesliga, with Nagelsmann now weighing up his next move.
According to Sky Germany, Nagelsmann had been expected to take a break from management until the summer. But those plans could now change with the job at Chelsea vacant.
He still has a close relationship with Blues technical director Christopher Vivell from their shared time at RB Leipzig. Vivell's presence and Chelsea's star-studded squad makes Stamford Bridge an attractive proposition.
Though it seemed like he would be taking a break following his sacking by Bayern, Nagelsmann could be convinced to make an immediate return to management. It is said that the ball is in Chelsea's court and now they have to call him to convince him to join.
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So far, there have been no negotiations between the Blues and the German boss. That could change on Monday as Chelsea's search for Potter's replacement kicks into gear.
If Chelsea are able to convince him to replace Potter, their next step will be to enter negotiations with Bayern. Those talks are also yet to get underway, with Bayern set to demand a compensation fee.
In their explanation of the decision to sack Potter, co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali gave no hint as to who they are considering as a replacement. Instead they urged supporters to pull together for the remaining games of the season.
"On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea. We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person," the duo said.
"He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome. Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.
"We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high."
