Manchester United reached out to former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde this week to gauge his interest in taking over on a temporary basis, The Guardian's Jamie Jackson and Fabrizio Romano report.
Valverde, who's currently out of work, appears open to the job. The 57-year-old has already begun identifying signings he'd like to have in the event he's hired, according to Jackson and Romano.
United reportedly believe the Spaniard is capable of coaching a team with several big names, including Cristiano Ronaldo. Valverde won La Liga twice, along with the Copa del Rey, with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Luis Suarez at his disposal. His reign at Barcelona lasted only two-and-a-half seasons, from May 2017 to January 2020.
The Red Devils would reportedly drop their interest in Valverde if they're able to appoint Mauricio Pochettino right away. Pochettino would apparently consider leaving his post at Paris Saint-Germain if United offered him control beyond first-team duties.
But the 49-year-old dismissed those rumors Tuesday.
"My contract is to 2023 - this season and one season more," Pochettino told reporters. "I don't say nothing different. I am very happy in PSG, that is a fact, it is not a thing to think. I am happy in Paris."
Leicester City's Brendan Rodgers is also considered a candidate for the job long term.
United are searching for their fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in June 2013. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left his role on Monday following a dismal 4-1 defeat away to Watford, the club's fifth loss in seven Premier League matches.
Michael Carrick is currently in caretaker charge of United, having previously served under Solskjaer and predecessor Jose Mourinho as an assistant.