Manchester United chiefs are currently locked in negotiations with first-choice Erik ten Hag successor Ruben Amorim - but that's not to say they're not sounding out alternatives.

Reports were coming in thick and fast yesterday as the club's key decision-makers officially ignited their pursuit of Amorim, who is contracted to Sporting Lisbon until 2026.

As such, they will have to pay his release clause - thought to be in the region of PS8.3 million - to terminate his obligations to the Liga Portugal outfit, which is something they're willing to do considering the significant lack of options available on the free agent market.

The 39-year-old has also been earmarked as Manchester City's No.1 candidate to potentially replace Pep Guardiola in the event that he leaves upon his contract expiry next year. In order to prevent him from leaning towards an Etihad move, United executives informed Amorim that their rivals would become a 'fading force' when the six-time Premier League winner eventually departs.

Silva got the better of Ten Hag towards the back end of last season; Fulham overturned the floundering Reds 2-1 on their home turf to claim their first Old Trafford win in 21 years and after 16 attempts.

The former Everton coach, whom Julen Lopetegui hailed for his 'fantastic work' in West London, is currently holding 10th place with the Cottagers, having won three, drawn three and lost three in their opening nine matches.

Still, you'd expect that Amorim is the most likely to take the reins in M16, given that there is already an agreement in principle between both parties.

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