Source: Daily_Mail
Bayern Munich eye up old boy Mark Hughes to replace Louis van Gaal as manager
Mark Hughes has emerged as a target for Bayern Munich after being included on theirshortlist of contenders to replace the outgoing Louis van Gaal. [LNB]Hughes forged a close relationship with Bayern president Uli Hoeness during his stintthere as a player in 1987-88 and has caught the eye with the way he has the steadied the ship at Fulham this season in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]As an added attraction for Bayern, Hughes is out of contract at the end of the season and could be lured away as a free agent. [LNB] Then and now: Hughes patrols the touchline at Craven Cottage (left) and appeals during his Bayern pomp[LNB] Another candidate is Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes, who has receivedstrong support after reviving the 2002 Champions League finalists' fortunes and steering them into second place behind leaders Dortmund. [LNB]Hughes signed a one-year deal when he replaced Roy Hodgson at the helm at Craven Cottage last summer.[LNB]And Bayern are said to be exploring the possibility that Hughes can can depart at the end of this season without compensation being paid.[LNB] All change: Bayern, who crashed out of the Champions League last week at home to Inter Milan, are looking for a new boss[LNB] Hughes, 47, has long been mooted as one of the potential successors to hiss former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford when he retires.[LNB]He began his managerial career brightly and during a five-year spell in charge of Wales in what was his first job as boss, he came close to leading his country to Euro 2004 - only to lose in a play-off to Russia.[LNB]Hughes then moved onto Blackburn, consolidating them as a Premier League club and guiding Rovers to three semi-finals before he quit for Manchester City in 2008.[LNB] Going places: Hughes is highly admired across Europe for his coaching work[LNB] But after just over one year in charge at Eastlands, having arrived when the club was taken over by oil-rich Abu DhabiUnited Group and granted him millions to spend on new players includingRobinho and Carlos Tevez, Hughes was sacked and replaced in December 2009 by Roberto Mancini.[LNB]He has since rebuilt his reputation despite a rocky patch before the New Year and has lead Fulham to 11th in the Barclays Premier League and in with a chance of Europa League football next season.[LNB]Bayern are keeping a close eye on the situation ahead of what could be a bold move to appoint him at the Allianz Arena this summer.[LNB] 'Bad' idea or Thriller for Fulham? Club announce plans for Michael Jackson statue at Craven CottageGolden Oldies: Why are goalkeepers playing well into their 40s?All the latest Fulham news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Louis Van Gaal, Mark Hughes, Alex Ferguson, Carlos Tevez, Roy Hodgson, Roberto Mancini Places: Wales, Russia
