Manchester United’s Rangnick successor could prove costly for Chelsea

With the new year arriving and the second half of the Premier League season upon us, time is ticking before Manchester United have to replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick. 

The German arrived in England to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but will only take charge of the team until the end of the season, before stepping back into an upstairs role at the club.

A number of names have been linked with potentially succeeding the former RB Leipzig boss, with Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte having already been ruled out of the running.

The favourite for the job, Mauricio Pochettino, remains in France with Paris-Saint Germain but continues to be linked with the vacant position at Manchester United.

Now, it appears that United could hinder Chelsea’s chances of silverware next season if they do appoint the Argentine.

Gallagher has been outstanding for Palace this season

As per The Sun, Pochettino is a big admirer of Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher, and could even try to tempt the youngster away from Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old has been outstanding on loan at Crystal Palace this season, scoring six goals and registering three assists in his debut top flight season.

Pochettino’s current side are believed to be weighing up a huge £50 million offer for the Englishman, and the former Tottenham boss could continue to chase the midfielder if he takes over at United.

While Chelsea boss Tuchel has been full of praise for the midfielder, the Blues may face a challenge to keep hold of the player if Pochettino does take over at Manchester United, as the club have been targeting a central midfielder for a long time now and Gallagher fits the bill.

It had been reported that the Blues would look to recall the midfielder this month to provide cover for the likes of Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante, however it has since surfaced that a clause in the loan agreement means the player cannot be recalled.