MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to become their new manager.
The Athletic claims talks have intensified on Monday evening, just hours after United brutally sacked Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman was given his marching orders after Sunday's dismal defeat at West Ham.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in charge as interim boss ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with Leicester.
But he may not get a go against Chelsea in the league next Sunday, with Sporting boss Amorim firmly in Ineos' sights.
It's reckoned Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co are deep in talks with the tactician, who has won two titles in the Portuguese capital.
Former midfielder Amorim, 39, is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young coaches.
He was previously linked with the Chelsea job in 2023 before Mauricio Pochettino took charge.
And this summer Amorim was lined up by West Ham, even jetting to London for talks before calling their contact "a mistake."