Ralf Rangnick could be set to hand Chelsea a major boost ahead of the summer transfer window, subject to his next big decision at Manchester United. The 63-year-old is ready to turn his nose up at the prescribed two-year consultancy role he was expected to transition into at Old Trafford and, instead, become the new manager of Austria, according to the MailOnline.
The German coach is reportedly considering the offer from the Austrian FA, and a formal announcement could be made as early as this week. Rangnick, who is famed for his shrewd transfers and excellent scouting, could offer the Blues respite in their pursuit to secure the services of AS Monaco technical director Paul Mitchell amid the takeover saga.
According to Sky Sports, Erik ten Hag and the interim United boss were pushing rival Chelsea for the services of Mitchell. Two of the three bidders, who are interested in taking the reins from Roman Abramovich have, have made it their priority to sign a technical director should their bid prove successful, according to The Athletic.
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The position at Stamford Bridge has been vacant since late 2017 after Michael Emenalo left and, ultimately, the Blues have suffered in his absence. Todd Boehly’s consortium; the one led by Stephen Pagliuca; and a group headed by Sir Martin Broughton remain in the running to buy Chelsea from the Russian billionaire.
Two of the consortia - who are unnamed in the report - want to reshape the west London side's transfer model, with Mitchell at the top of their list. The Athletic outline that the 40-year-old transfer guru, who has two years left on deal with the French outfit, faces an uncertain future in Ligue 1 amid rising tensions in the boardroom.
But, while Chelsea may have finally found their next sporting director, Mitchell has been strongly recommended by both the current and future United bosses; Rangnick of whom is regarded as a 'close friend' of his, having worked closely together under the Red Bull umbrella. Speaking to Monaco-Matin, former Wigan Athletic player said: "I’m proud to come from there (Manchester).
"I will admit that every time I return, Ralf asks me to come for a coffee. We’re friends, close ones. We worked a lot together. We had success at Leipzig and travelled around the world."
So, with Rangnick's decision regarding his future at Old Trafford could play a major role in prospective Chelsea owners landing their Micthell's signature. The United boss' verdict may well be the difference between Thomas Tuchel ticking off his summer transfer wish list or not.
The Times claim that the Chelsea boss is keen to add two new defenders this summer following the departure of Antonio Rudiger. Andreas Christensen also sees his contract with the Blues expire at the end of the season and, as it stands, is set to leave on a free.
With two of Tuchel's leading figures set to go, the west Londoners are left with diminishing options at the back.
