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Reports: Jurgen Klinsmann 'in discussions' to become next England manager

Henry Bushnell
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Jurgen-Klinsmann-to-England rumors just got real. More real than they’ve ever been.

Former German international Oliver Bierhoff, who has worked with Klinsmann and currently works behind the scenes with the German national team, told The Guardian that Klinsmann, the current United States men’s national team manager and technical director, is “in discussions” with the English Football Association over the vacant England manager job.

Many other British newspapers and journalists, including The Daily Mirror’s John Cross, also cited Bierhoff’s quotes.

Bierhoff spoke at length, and seemed to reveal Klinsmann’s discussions with the FA as a side note. Here’s the full quote:

“Perhaps it is an advantage that good players go to England and other countries, so our clubs have to bring other players through. But since the arrival of Jürgen Klinsmann – who I think is in discussions with England – we have also given the national team a certain pride, atmosphere and organisation. The success of the story is the high quality but also the good organisation and good atmosphere we have in the group.”

Klinsmann was hired by the U.S. in 2011 following the firing of Bob Bradley. He guided the Americans to the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup and the semifinals of this summer’s Copa America Centenario.

Former England boss Roy Hodgson stepped down after his team was upset by Iceland in the Euro 2016 Round of 16.

Klinsmann has been mentioned as a candidate for the job, but up until this point, most of it has been speculation. He is now the bookmakers’ favorite at anywhere between 1/1 and 7/2.

Prior to taking over as U.S. manager, Klinsmann had a stint in charge at Bayern Munich and coached the German national team to third place at the 2006 World Cup. He also had an illustrious career as a player, which included two years in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.

Other rumored candidates for the England vacancy are current Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, former Paris Saint-Germain and France head coach Laurent Blanc and current Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce.

Klinsmann is under contract with U.S. Soccer until 2018. He recently discussed his aspirations for the U.S. program with CNN.com.

Our Leander Schaerlaeckens recently analyzed the Klinsmann-to-England talk, and what it would mean for all parties if Klinsmann were to leave the USMNT and take over the Three Lions.

The FC Yahoo crew also discussed the potential repercussions for U.S. soccer on the FC Yahoo Podcast.