"?Laurent Blanc has joined the race as a serious contender to take over England following the sacking of Roy Hodgson after his side's dismal Euro 2016 exit, according to the "?Independent.
Former PSG boss Blanc, who parted ways with the French side on Monday through mutual consent, joins Gareth Southgate, Eddie Howe and Harry Redknapp in the race to take the reins at the head of English football.
Laurent Blanc stitched France back together - so can he do it again with England? https://t.co/FCjnUUygMG pic.twitter.com/fLR50t5Bzf
However, numerous other continental managers are also in the running, as Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klinsmann are said to be under consideration by The FA's three-man selection panel who will meet at some point later this week to discuss a potential appointment.
FA technical director Dan Ashworth, who forms one third of the panel, is said to favour current under-21s manager Southgate for the job, however the former Middlesborough boss is ready to reject an approach through fear the role may damage his reputation.
BREAKING: Gareth Southgate REJECTS chance to become England's new manager https://t.co/3KhaXCNDaH pic.twitter.com/czjcmdP9n5
It is understood that Ashworth's preference in Southgate was due to the message it would send to lower-level coaches: proving that the FA is committed to the development of English managers.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be the FA's ideal replacement, however senior figures within the association are acutely aware of the potential difficulties that would likely arise in trying to lure the Frenchman away from the Emirates.
However, having recently become unemployed, former France manager Blanc could be the most accessible of the highly-experienced candidates available.
Arsenal fans won't be happy....
Arsene Wenger is no.1 England target for the FA
Gossip: https://t.co/V43ZP8xmJu pic.twitter.com/EN9sIZ9pFC
The 50-year-old guided the French national team to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 after taking over from Raymond Domenech who was sacked after a player-led rebellion led to poor results at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
Blanc also has the favourable characteristic of a familiarity with English football, having had a two-year spell with Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.