Sporting Lisbon have formally announced that Manchester United intend to pay the release clause of head coach Ruben Amorim.
On Monday morning, the Premier Leagues confirmed that they had parted company with head coach Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the season.
The initial expectation was that Ruud van Nistelrooy would remain in interim charge for more than just the EFL Cup fourth round tie with Leicester City on Wednesday night.
However, over the past 24 hours, speculation has been rife that United are pressing ahead in their effort to secure the signature of Amorim.
Reports have indicated that the 39-year-old was quick to give the green light to a switch to Old Trafford should the two clubs be able to reach an agreement over compensation.
A release clause of €10m (£8.31m) is present in Amorim’s contract with Sporting, providing United with the chance to activate his release should they so wish.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Portuguese giants confirmed that their United counterparts had formally approached them to complete a deal for their head coach.
A statement read: “1. Manchester United FC expressed interest in hiring coach Rúben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically for the respective termination clause and for the amount of Euro 10,000,000.00;
“2. Manchester United FC expressed interest in paying Sporting SAD the value of the aforementioned clause.”
Providing that there are no unforeseen setbacks or a change of heart from Amorim, the expectation is that the Portuguese will complete a switch to the Theatre of Dreams over the coming days.
That would see Amorim take charge of his first game on Sunday afternoon when United play host to Chelsea in the Premier League.
