Report: Ancelotti would seek English job if Bayern gives him boot

Carlo Ancelotti's priority will be to work in England if Bayern Munich exercises a break clause in his contract next summer, a year prior to his deal's official expiration in June 2019, ESPN FC's Mark Ogden reports.

The Italian succeeded Pep Guardiola in Bavaria before the 2016-17 term and immediately helped the club win its fifth consecutive Bundesliga title. A disappointing Champions League last-eight exit to eventual winner Real Madrid and semi-final elimination to Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal heightened the pressure ahead of this season, though.

Last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Hoffenheim - dubbed by many as an audition for Der FCB for the victor's 30-year-old handler Julian Nagelsmann - then left Bayern in sixth place after three Bundesliga matches, and Tuesday's 3-0 win over 10-man Anderlecht was a flattering scoreline for Ancelotti's side in Champions League play.

Related: Bayern's win does little to dispel doubts over Ancelotti's future

Nagelsmann further fuelled rumours that he could follow Ancelotti to the Allianz Arena by admitting "Bayern has always played a prominent role in my dreams" over the weekend.

If Ancelotti is released two years into his three-year contract at the end of the season - or sooner, if performances don't improve - he'll inevitably attract plenty of attention from across Europe. The 58-year-old has claimed three Champions League crowns and four league titles during his glittering coaching career.

Manchester United previously sighted Ancelotti for its managerial post when David Moyes was sacked, but eventually plumped for Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2014. He was also linked to the Liverpool helm until Jurgen Klopp took the reins from the axed Brendan Rodgers in October 2014.

So, for now, Ancelotti's likeliest destination would appear to be Arsenal. Arsene Wenger only signed a two-year deal in May, but league losses to Stoke City and Liverpool saw calls for the Frenchman's departure increase in volume in sections of the Emirates Stadium. A failure to claim a top-four spot or make an impression in the domestic cups could finally see Wenger leave Arsenal after being appointed in north London in 1996.

Ancelotti spent two years working in England between 2009 and 2011 when he oversaw Chelsea. He guided the Blues to a league and FA Cup double in his first season but was fired after the subsequent trophyless campaign.