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 (£8.3m) is present in Amorim's contract with Sporting, providing United with the chance to activate his release should they so wish.
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Sporting reveal United approach
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.
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High expectations for Amorim
Should Amorim complete a move to United, he will be leaving his role at Estadio Jose Alvalade at a time when Sporting are sitting top of the Primeira Liga standings with a perfect record after nine matches.
Just two goals have been conceded during that time. By comparison, United have shipped 11 strikes across the same amount of games in the Premier League.
Perhaps most notably, Amorim has guided Sporting to seven points from three fixtures in the Champions League, wins against Lille and Sturm Graz being recorded either side of a 1-1 draw at PSV Eindhoven.
United require Amorim to make a similar impact in the Europa League with draws having been posted against FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce, leaving the club down in 21st position in the 36-team standings.
Darren Plant
