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Atletico Madrid and Manchester United keeping tabs on Luis Enrique

Atletico Madrid and Manchester United are keeping tabs on Spain national team’s head coach Luis Enrique, according to Diario AS.

Enrique was appointed as La Roja’s manager in 2019 and has since done an excellent job, leading his side to Euro 2020 semi-finals as well as a runners-up finish in Nations League last year.

However, Enrique’s future looks uncertain as his contract is set to expire after the 2022 World Cup, and he remains coy over his renewal.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has names such as Marcelino, Luis de la Fuente and Ernesto Valverde in their mind as replacement options, though the priority is convincing Enrique to an extension.

Atletico and Man Utd are closely monitoring Enrique’s situation, identifying him as a top candidate for the managerial role.

Los Rojiblancos are said to be actively looking for a successor to Diego Simeone, whose job is in jeopardy following a turbulent first half this season.

The 2020/21 La Liga champions have reached new lows this season by exiting the Champions League from the group stage as well as failing to secure a spot in Europa League.

There are reports that Simeone, who has been with Atletico since 2011, could leave the capital club at the end of this season, with Atletico planning an overhaul next summer.

Atletico’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin is an admirer of Enrique, whom he cites as an ideal manager to carry on Simeone’s legacy.

Gil Marin explored the option to recruit Enrique a few years ago, and the former Barcelona gaffer also told the Atletico chief that he would consider the offer in future.

In addition, ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has emerged as a potential replacement for Simeone.

On the other hand, Man Utd have revived their interest in the former Celta Vigo boss, who was on their list of candidates for the coaching role before the appointment of Erik ten Hag.

United have placed a huge trust in Ten Hag’s project, but his future at Old Trafford depends on how he will fare this season.

Enrique is currently focused on the World Cup in Qatar as Spain will face Costa Rica in their opening group stage game on Wednesday.

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