Manchester United have been urged to consider one key factor if when choosing their next manager.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are both in the running to succeed Michael Carrick, if he is sacked by the Red Devils.
Julian Nagelsmann looks on before Germany's match against Ecuador3
Nagelsmann is interested in replacing Carrick as United boss
United's current boss will remain in charge for Saturday's trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, live on talkSPORT.
However, pressure is mounting on Carrick amid an eight-match winless run in all competitions.
Nagelsmann 'interested' in United job
talkSPORT understands Howe is currently the frontrunner to replace him in the Old Trafford dugout.
Nagelsmann is also interested and German football journalist Constantin Eckner also claims the former Bayern Munich manager also holds a key advantage over Howe when it comes to the appointment, he has revealed.
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Eckner told talkSPORT on Tuesday: "Nagelsmann was already interested in the Manchester United job in the past, but the timing was never really there to join Manchester United, despite them hiring a new manager every 12 months or so.
"The (Christopher) Vivell connection is there, these two know each other and Vivell might be pushing for Nagelsmann."
talkSPORT understands United head of scouting Christopher Vivell is pushing for the club to appoint Nagelsmann.
The pair previously worked together during his time as RB Leipzig boss, with Vivell serving as technical director.
Nagelsmann to 'cost nothing'
As well as his relationship with Vivell, Nagelsmann's contractual status also provides a potential advantage to his hopes of securing the job.
Eckner continued: "As far as I understand it, Nagelsmann would be interested, but he’s not the frontrunner. Eddie Howe is the frontrunner, but Nagelsmann is ready.
Julian Nagelsmann looks on after Germany's match against Paraguay3
Nagelsmann would cost nothing to appoint right now, says Eckner
"The DFB, the German Football Association, bought him out of his contract. So there is no hurdle to take.
"He can join whoever he wants, whilst Manchester United have to pay Newcastle United to get Eddie Howe as their manager right now."
Nagelsmann left his role as Germany head coach in July following their shock World Cup exit.
The four-time winners were beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the round of 32.
His resignation saw the DFB buy Nagelsmann out of his contract, which had been due to run until the end of Euro 2028.
As for Howe, he departed St. James' Park at the end of the same month after almost five years in charge of Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe applauds the Newcastle United fans after their match against Arsenal3
United must pay £3million in compensation to appoint Howe
talkSPORT understands United would have to pay the Magpies £3million in compensation if Howe becomes manager.
Whilst it is more than the cost of bringing in Nagelsmann, it represents a lower fee than those for the likes of Fabian Hurzeler and Unai Emery, who have also been linked with the post.