Gareth Southgate not daunted by Man Utd job after dropping hint over Premier League return

England boss Gareth Southgate hinted he would be open to a Premier League return before being linked to the Manchester United job.

On Wednesday, ESPN claimed that United were assessing Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Southgate as potential successors to Erik ten Hag, should the Dutchman leave his post at Old Trafford this summer.

While no decision is said to have been made on Ten Hag’s future, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly exploring options to gauge the credentials and availability of possible replacements.

Southgate is set to lead England to the European Championships this summer, with the Three Lions among the favourites to win the competition.

The England boss has been with the national side for more than seven years, with this summer’s tournament set to be his fourth and perhaps final at the helm.

Southgate’s contract with the Football Association expires in December, which has prompted plenty of speculation regarding his future.

The 53-year-old began his managerial career back in 2006 with Middlesborough, and he has admitted in the past a desire to one day return to Premier League management.

Southgate told Sky Sports in December: “I was 35 years old when I managed in the Premier League. We finished 12th and 13th, and I knew nothing like what I know now.

“'Everybody would talk about Middlesbrough. ‘Oh, he got Middlesbrough relegated’.

“Well, yeah, in the third year, we got relegated. But I had three years of Premier League management.

“There isn't a job in world football that would intimidate or daunt you, having lived this one (England), frankly.

“You're not going to have any higher profile, you're not going to have any greater pressure, you're not going to have any more complex issues.”

The Euros will be Southgate's fourth tournament in charge of England (Getty)

Southgate added: “Without doubt, in my mind, the first season was the biggest achievement I’ve had, to go from captain/player to managing a multimillion-pound business in the toughest league in the world, and finish pretty much a par finish for where we were budget-wise.

“I’m confident in this role. I’m confident in whatever might be in the future. Of course, I’m not going to be here for 20-30 years. I don’t know what the future will be. I’m very calm about that.

“I remember talking to Jose (Mourinho) when he was at Man Utd and he said: ‘You know, when you’ve done the role you’re in now, you’ll be able to do anything’. Really? I thought that was probably right, but seven years into it, it’s definitely right.”