Antonio Conte has said he is not in "advanced negotiations" with any club, responding to reports that he has held talks with Manchester United. Italian newspaper La Repubblica claimed on Thursday that Conte had met United's board about replacing Michael Carrick following a 4-1 defeat to Como on Wednesday. The report said the former Chelsea manager had demanded full control of United's transfer policy and intended to appoint his own staff at Old Trafford.
BBC Sport understands Conte is keen on the job, but the Italian has dismissed the claims. Writing on Instagram, he said "there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage" and described reports of financial demands and requests for full control as "unfounded". He added that should a concrete opportunity arise, discussions would take place with the club concerned.
Carrick's future at Old Trafford is uncertain after the Champions League humiliation against Cesc Fabregas' Como. He is set to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth, but sources told BBC Sport that United have begun identifying possible replacements. Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann are also understood to be under consideration.
Conte, a free agent since leaving Napoli at the end of last season, won the Serie A title in his first season in Naples. He previously won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016-17 and beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final the following year. His time at Tottenham Hotspur lasted just 16 months before he left in March 2023 after criticising "selfish" players and the club's culture.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing