Andy Magnan's proposed move from Stockport to Real Madrid has been blocked (Image: PA)
Stockport County manager Andy Mangan will not be allowed to join Real Madrid due to Brexit implications, according to reports. The 38-year-old was set to join Carlo Ancelotti's backroom staff at the Bernabeu but will now be unable to complete his dream move.
Mangan joined Stockport as assistant manager following their promotion to League One in the summer and was soon approached by Real Madrid, with Ancelotti reportedly looking to add some new faces to his coaching staff ahead of the new campaign.
The Stockport manager was reportedly chosen because of his close relationship with Ancelotti's son Davide, who is Real Madrid's assistant manager. However, the transfer will not be allowed because Mangan has been refused a work permit, according to the Times.
Magnan is said to be a close friend of Carlo Ancelotti's son Davide (Image: GETTY)
Mangan is understood to have reached a financial agreement with Real Madrid, but the refusal to grant him a work permit means he will not be able to join the Spanish club. The report adds that Mangan's application was rejected due to Brexit regulations following the UK's exit from the European Union.
British citizens no longer enjoy free movement within the EU, meaning they are not allowed to visit, live, work or study in an EU country without a visa. EU law now considers British citizens to be third-country nationals, just like citizens of other non-EU states.
Mangan will therefore remain at Stockport for the foreseeable future after seeing his dream of joining Real Madrid go up in smoke. Their attempt to sign him was part of a wider effort to freshen up their coaching structure after three seasons of stability under Ancelotti.
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The 65-year-old is reportedly looking to recruit a new manager with English Football League experience. Mangan was recommended to him by Davide, who is said to be keen to take the Stockport boss with him when he embarks on his own coaching career.
Mangan made over 300 appearances in England's third, fourth and fifth divisions before becoming a manager after retiring. He worked under Joey Barton at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, where he briefly served as caretaker manager after Barton's sacking.
The 38-year-old joined Dave Challinor's coaching staff at Stockport at the end of last season, during which they secured promotion to League One.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1946780/Stockport-coach-Andy-Magnan-Real-Madrid-Brexit