Manchester United have sounded out Diego Simeone about becoming their new manager.
The Atletico Madrid boss is on a short-list of candidates drawn up by United chiefs as they search for Jose Mourinho’s long-term successor.
The Argentine is currently in talks with Atletico over extending his contract, which ends in 18 months.
But that has not stopped intermediaries claiming to work on behalf of United contacting Simeone’s camp to gauge his interest in the Old Trafford job.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino , whose side host United at Wembley on Sunday, is the leading candidate. But the Reds' top brass will want to consider every option available to them.
They are well aware that even if Pochettino indicates a willingness to join them, there are no guarantees they will be able to prise him away from White Hart Lane.
Spurs supremo Daniel Levy is understood to have slapped a minimum £50million price tag on his manager’s shoulders.
Pochettino’s former international team-mate Simeone would be a hugely credible alternative.
The 48-year-old has been in charge of Atletico since 2011. During that time, he has led his men to the La Liga title and two Europa League crowns, as well as two Champions League Finals.
Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was placed in interim charge following Mourinho's sacking, until the end of the season.
The Norwegian has won all five games so far, has the Reds playing more attacking football than they did under the Special One and already has some members of the squad convinced he should get the job permanently.
