Report has it that Manchester United have agreed a deal that will see Dutch coach Louis van Gaal become the club’s new manager next season.
According to the De Telegraaf newspaper in Holland, the 62-year-old will take over following the World Cup in July when his contract with the Netherlands ends.
The club denied a deal had been signed but, notably, did not dismiss the story or the claim an agreement had been reached.
“We have not signed a new manager,” United said in a statement.
“When we have something to report, we will announce it.”
Veteran United player Ryan Giggs has been appointed as interim manager of the club and oversaw a 4-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
But Sky News’ Sports Correspondent Paul Kelso said van Gaal had been the clear front-runner to permanently replace David Moyes, who was sacked on Tuesday.
“The club have denied a deal is done, but not that they have spoken to (van Gaal),” he said.
“Sources say they are still working from a short list, so he’s not been the only candidate, but if he gets the job Giggs would likely be included in the coaching team.
“Sources believe Giggs’ experience as an assistant may be all he needs to be a future manager.”
Van Gaal has an impressive CV that has seen him win numerous titles at big European clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax.
Former Manchester United captain and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said: “There’s big rumours coming out.
“We know what it’s like, we’re in the game, and when there’s so much strength behind the rumours, you sort of sense that, basically, maybe it’s going to happen.”
Neville added that it was “not ideal” the reports had emerged on the day of Giggs’ first game as interim manager.
“The preference at this club, having been here for 25 years, is that you break it at the point where it’s done.
“I have to say at the moment that (the club) is finding it difficult to control things in respect of leaks. It’s not helping the club.”
Moyes was dismissed after a season that has seen United lose 15 games, leaving last year’s Premier League champions languishing in seventh place.
