Erik ten Hag waiting on Carlo Ancelotti move as former Man Utd boss lined up for return

Former manager has been identified by as a potential successor to - if he ends up taking the job after . Ten Hag, , could find himself at the centre of a managerial merry-go-round which Ancelotti is set to kick-off.

Despite U-turning on an agreement to become next manager this week, the Real boss is either at the end of the domestic season or following this summer's . That'd leave Los Blancos without a manager and their top target is reportedly ex-Real midfielder Alonso.

The Spaniard guided Leverkusen to the title last season, going unbeaten in both the league and cup to secure an historic double which ended stronghold on German football. Alonso was heavily linked with , another of his former clubs, this time last year but .

Leverkusen are set to surrender the title back to Bayern this weekend but have still enjoyed a strong season, losing only two league games. They were also knocked out by Bayern in the round of 16 after finishing sixth in the initial league phase.

His departure could pave the way for Ten Hag, who report is of interest to Leverkusen chiefs. No formal talks have been held but the club are claimed to have gathered information on the Dutchman in the event that Alonso heads to Madrid.

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Alonso has been coy on his future, recently telling reporters: "It's not a good time to discuss the future. We're at a very important moment in the season. "I don't want to talk about speculation and rumours. [I understand] that this is happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now.

Ten Hag, 55, has had opportunities to get back in the dugout this season but he's been keen on a fresh start for the 2025-26 campaign following his struggles at United. Despite winning a trophy in both of his full years at Old Trafford, an eighth-placed finish last term combined with a woeful start to this season spelled the end.

Would Erik ten Hag be a good appointment for Bayer Leverkusen? Have your say in the .

The ex- manager recently opened up about his future plans, hinting that his next role in football might not be as a manager. "There are so many other things I could do," Ten Hag told the : "Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That's an option. And maybe something completely different."

He added: "I've been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather; they have their own company. But we also run a company together with our father. That's also something I love to do I can now give that more attention and it's also a lot of fun."

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