Joan Laporta 'wants Thomas Tuchel to replace Ronald Koeman as Barcelona boss'

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reportedly identified Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel as his number one target to replace Ronald Koeman as head coach.

Koeman will remain in charge for Saturday's La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid, but the Dutchman's future at Camp Nou is far from certain, with a change possible during the international break.

River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo, the club's former midfielder Xavi and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez are among those to be linked with the position at Camp Nou.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta views Tuchel as the ideal manager to lead the club forward during a difficult period.

The 48-year-old replaced Frank Lampard as head coach of Chelsea in January, and he led the Blues to the 2020-21 Champions League title, in addition to securing a spot in the FA Cup final.

Tuchel, who has also been in charge of Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain during his managerial career, has a contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2024.