Ralf Rangnick linked with surprise return to club management after holding 'private talks'

Former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has been linked with a surprise return to club management.

Rangnick hasn't managed a club side since his temporary spell in charge at Old Trafford ended in the summer of 2022.

After being replaced by Erik ten Hag, the German took charge of the Austria national team and successfully qualified them for Euro 2024.

Austria impressed at the tournament, which was held in Germany, defeating Poland and the Netherlands to top their group before losing a tight game 2-1 to Turkey in the last 16.

Ten Hag and Rangnick have been linked together again after the Borussia Dortmund job became available earlier this month following the sacking of Nuri Sahin.

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported that Ten Hag was the 'shadow coach' to Sahin - the Dortmund choice to replace him - but that a deal could not be reached as the Dutchman is still on United's payroll following his own departure last year.

That appears not to be the case with Rangnick, with Sky Germany now reporting that he held private talks with Dortmund chiefs in Salzburg on Monday.

It is claimed that the club have 'explored' whether Rangnick could be appointed in January but he may also be an option to take charge of the first team in the summer if that is necessary.

However, Sky Germany add that Rangnick is 'leaning towards' rejecting Dortmund's offer but has yet to come to a final decision over his future.

Austria conclude their Nations League campaign in March with fixtures against Serbia, with the winner of the two-legged play-off set to play in League A in the next set of Nations League matches.

Their World Cup qualifying campaign commences in June - by which stage Rangnick could have a different job at club level.