Paolo Maldini could be set for a return to football, with reports suggesting the five-time Champions League winner is being lined up to take over as a director at Al-Ittihad.
Maldini, who turned out solely for AC Milan throughout a remarkable 25-year playing career, left the Serie A giants in June after serving four seasons as technical director.
His work behind the scenes helped Milan win their first league title since 2011 in the 2021-22 season.
However, Maldini was held responsible for a series of underwhelming signings, former Liverpool man Divock Origi among them, that saw Stefano Pioli's side barely able to scrape a fourth-place finish last term.
The 126-cap Italian international could now be set for a return to football, with Al-Ittihad seemingly interested in his services.
Fabrizio Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter): 'Paolo Maldini, main candidate to become new Al-Ittihad director with new chapter in Saudi Pro League.
'Former AC Milan director, set to decide his future soon with Al-Ittihad serious possibility being considered.'
Maldini could be set for a busy first few weeks in the job, with Al-Ittihad in the market for a new manager after former Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked following an alleged bust-up with star striker Karim Benzema.
Al-Ittihad, who also signed former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante and ex-Liverpool man Fabinho in the summer, are currently sat fifth in the Saudi Pro League table after a poor run of form.
Benzema and Nuno reportedly clashed after elimination from the AFC Asian Champions League at the hands of Iraqi club Al-Quwa Al-Juwiy.
A run of five domestic league games without a win has also left Al-Ittihad off the pace in the race for the league title, with league leaders Al-Hilal currenty 11 points clear of them.
Benzema scored a hat-trick to help them to a 4-2 win against Abha on Friday, but Maldini will still have work to do to improve their fortunes if his appointment goes ahead as expected.