Ruben Amorim is reportedly pushing to fill the managerial vacancy at Manchester United following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
According to The Telegraph, the Sporting CP manager is hellbent on becoming the new Red Devils boss after emerging as the leading candidate for the job.
Man Utd sacked the underperforming Dutchman shortly after a disheartening 2-1 defeat at fellow strugglers West Ham United on Sunday.
A dismal performance at the London Stadium put the final nail in Ten Hag’s coffin as a United manager, with the club relieving him of his duties on Monday.
With the hunt for Ten Hag’s replacement already off and running, Amorim has landed on the Old Trafford outfit’s radar, leapfrogging Julian Nagelsmann and Gareth Southgate.
However, the highly-rated Portuguese tactician will not come cheap. A substantial £8.3 million compensation fee is in place.
Man Utd will likely have to trigger the termination clause to lure the 39-year-old to the Premier League.
Sporting are reluctant to let their star manager leave Lisbon following an eye-catching Primeira Liga stint.
United could render their effort meaningless if they activate the release clause that was £12.5m last summer, only to decrease per the terms of his contract.
Amorim could hold a crunch meeting with the Sporting board later this evening when his side takes on Nacional in a cup tie at home.
That could be an opportunity for the Man Utd-linked manager to announce his departure.
Formerly linked with a move to West Ham, Amorim speaks fluent English, which would facilitate his transition from his native Portugal to Manchester.
The Red Devils are also eyeing former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. He’s only a fallback option if their pursuit of the Sporting boss fails.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy will act as caretaker manager until a permanent appointment is made.