Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly keen for his current assistant Mike Phelan to become the club's new technical director.
United are considering possible candidates for the newly-created role ahead of the 2019-20 season, with Solskjaer's former teammate Rio Ferdinand among the names linked with the post.
Ferdinand, who played alongside Solskjaer for five years at Old Trafford, is understood to have impressed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in preliminary talks so far, but would not be Solskjaer's preferred choice.
The Times claims that the Norwegian wants to see Phelan promoted to the post, having brought Sir Alex Ferguson's former assistant back to the club upon his appointment in December.
Phelan previously served as the sporting director at Australian club Central Coast Mariners before leaving to rejoin United and is keen to be given a more senior role in the new setup.
The 56-year-old's position at United beyond the end of this season has not yet been confirmed as uncertainty continues to grow over his long-term future.
Barney Corkhill
