Mauricio Pochettino is ready to become Manchester United’s next head coach as the club moves closer to replacing Michael Carrick.
Manchester United have opened talks with the 54-year-old Argentine, who is said to be their preferred choice to take over at Old Trafford.
Carrick is expected to leave his role within the next 48 hours, clearing the way for United to step up their pursuit of Pochettino.
According to BBC Sport, Pochettino is keen on the move and is prepared to accept the offer once the club officially approaches him.
However, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager is determined to remain respectful to the US Soccer Federation, where he only took charge in August, and will not make any public commitment until Manchester United make their position official.
United would need to pay about $10 million (£7.5 million) to release Pochettino from his current contract with the United States men’s national team.
The timing of the proposed move presents another challenge, with Pochettino currently leading the USA into a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti.
A switch to Manchester United before the international fixtures are completed could create an awkward situation for both the coach and the US Soccer Federation.
If an agreement is reached, Pochettino would return to Premier League football after previous spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Manchester United are expected to make a final decision on their managerial position once Carrick’s future is officially resolved.