Italian manager Antonio Conte has clarified that he is currently not in advanced negotiations with any club amid links with Manchester United and Juventus.
The 57-year-old is presently out of work after parting ways with Napoli last summer, but he has been touted to return to club management pretty soon.
United have been heavily linked with the experienced head coach, and it has been claimed that he has his eyes set on replacing Michael Carrick at the helm.
Conte has likewise been mentioned as a candidate for his former club Juventus, who are currently placed ninth in Serie A, eight points behind leaders Inter.
Amid this, the former Chelsea manager has clarified that he is not in advanced negotiations with any club, but refused to rule out any opportunity going forward.
He posted on Instagram stories: “Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position. My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage.
“Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.
“I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my “strong personality.”
“These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.
“Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties’ needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.
“Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact. Best wishes, Antonio Conte.”
United may not consider Conte to replace Carrick
The hierarchy continue to place their trust in Carrick, but they could seriously contemplate sacking him if United fail to beat Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Conte is undoubtedly a world-class manager and would be hugely respected within the dressing room. Still, we don’t believe he would be a top candidate for United.
The Italian can be a disruptive figure for the boardroom with his terms. He prefers a hands-on approach and likes to be directly involved in almost every transfer decision.
However, the Red Devils have followed a different policy under INEOS, with sporting director Jason Wilcox largely involved in transfers before the final say from the manager.
This could be a strong reason why United may not opt for Conte. Julian Nagelsmann has been linked too, but he is someone who does not adapt and sticks to his tactical philosophy.
On top of this, United could be reluctant to pursue another foreign manager without league experience after the disastrous spell of results under former boss Ruben Amorim.
Based on this, former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe could emerge as the front-runner for the job, given his Premier League experience and recent track record.
The 48-year-old guided the Magpies to the Champions League twice in the last four campaigns despite working with different sporting directors during the same period.
If United are exploring a young Premier League manager with experience, Howe could become a strong candidate if they decide to part ways with Carrick soon.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com