Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has refused to entertain speculation linking him with the Bayern Munich job.
The German club are currently searching for a new manager to succeed Thomas Tuchel, who has already confirmed that he will leave his position at the end of the season.
Bayern had reportedly identified Xabi Alonso as a potential target, before the Spaniard revealed his intention to stay with Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann had been linked with a return to the Allianz Arena, but he recently signed a new deal to commit to the national team until 2026.
Although Zinedine Zidane is also viewed as a potential candidate, the Frenchman is currently showing more interest in becoming Manchester United manager.
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Emery fully committed to Aston Villa
With Bayern now considering alternative options, Bild are reporting that Emery has emerged as a contender to replace Tuchel ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The report claims that Bayern are believed to be keen on Emery as well as Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Bayern would have to agree a fee to prise Emery away from Aston Villa, with the 52-year-old under contract until the summer of 2027.
Despite being linked with a switch to the Allianz Arena, Emery has insisted that he is fully committed to his current position as Aston Villa boss.
"I am focused here, 100%," Emery told reporters when asked about the speculation following Sunday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
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Emery's impressive CV
While Villa fans will be determined to keep Emery, it is unsurprising to see him being linked with some of Europe's biggest jobs due to his impressive line of work.
Emery has won multiple honours throughout his managerial career, including three consecutive Europa League titles with Sevilla.
The 52-year-old had time with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, before he spent two years in charge of Villarreal, leading the Spanish club to the 2020-21 Europa League and the 2021-22 Champions League semi-finals.
Emery left Villarreal to become Aston Villa boss in November 2022, taking the Midlands club from 16th position to a seventh-placed finish.
Now in his first full campaign with the Villans, Emery has led Aston Villa to fourth position and into the semi-finals in the Europa Conference League.
