England 'accelerate' Thomas Tuchel talks after Lee Carsley admission

England are reported to be in talks with the representatives of former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel as they step up their search for a new manager.

Reports of contact with Tuchel emerged from Germany last week but were played down by many in the English media through several claims that no talks had been held with any candidate for the vacant position.

However, Sky Sports News have now stated that the Football Association have reached out to those around Tuchel, who is seen as the leading candidate for the role.

The FA are believed to have stepped up their search for a new manager in the aftermath of England's surprise defeat to Greece, which was soon followed by conflicting comments from interim boss Lee Carsley about his interest in the position.

It is thought that Pep Guardiola has long been seen as the dream target but, despite informal contact with the Manchester City manager during the summer, there has been no progress with the Spaniard and he is not expected to be a serious contender as it stands.

Technical director John McDermott, who is leading the search, wants a manager with a proven record of success, which clearly works in favour of Tuchel. The German has won silverware with Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, even lifting the Champions League trophy during his days with the Blues.

There is still a lot of work to be done in talks with Tuchel, including the vast majority of personal terms, but his immediate availability means an agreement could be sealed relatively quickly.

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