Manchester United could reportedly prise Ruben Amorim away from Sporting CP for around £8.5million thanks to one of three clauses in his contract.
The Red Devils have identified the 39-year-old as their number one target to replace Erik ten Hag, who was relieved of his duties on Monday following a dismal start to the campaign.
Ten Hag's assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in temporary charge, but United swiftly opened talks with Amorim and Sporting over triggering the release clause that would allow him to complete the move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been afforded the opportunity to swoop for the Portuguese boss thanks to one of three clauses in his current deal, which runs until 2026.
Portuguese outlet A Bola, claim that Amorim's release clause for another club in the country stands at an astronomical £25m (€30m). That figure drops to £17m (€20m) for any foreign.
The amount needed to liberate Amorim from his Sporting deal reduces further for club's the outlet describes as the 'sharks' of European football. These include Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus and United.
Amorim has been linked with City if Pep Guardiola leaves next summer after it was confirmed that Hugo Viana, his director of football at Sporting, will replace Txiki Begiristain in the same role at the Etihad last season.
Asked about the links to United in the wake of Ten Hag’s sacking, he said on Monday: ‘I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment. I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.’
The 39-year-old, who was interviewed over the managerial vacancies at Liverpool and West Ham earlier this year, is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford.
It’s understood that Amorim was planning to leave Sporting at the end of the season, but was made aware of United’s interest earlier this month and has had two rounds of talks.
Amorim has led Sporting to two top-flight Portuguese titles in his four years in charge of the club.
