RB Leipzig are holding internal talks over a sensational return for Julian Nagelsmann, with the former Germany coach emerging as a candidate to replace Domenico Demichelis, according to reports in Germany.

Sky Germany reports that Leipzig’s hierarchy has discussed Nagelsmann, who coached the club from 2019 to 2021 and led them to a Champions League semi-final. The 39-year-old has been without a club since leaving the Germany job and is among the most coveted coaches in Europe.

Leipzig sit ninth in the Bundesliga after an inconsistent start. Impressive wins over Borussia Monchengladbach and Hamburg have been offset by defeats to Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen, plus a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como that increased the pressure on Demichelis.

Demichelis, whose contract runs to 2028, retains backing from parts of the hierarchy, with former Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt publicly supporting him. But upcoming fixtures against Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, PSV and Real Madrid could prove decisive.

Nagelsmann’s intimate knowledge of the Red Bull system makes him a natural fit, though his salary demands and desire for control over transfers could complicate any deal.