Antonio Conte insists any negotiations to manage Manchester United are not at an advanced stage - but denies he is making off-putting demands of them or any other clubs as he ponders a return to football.

Conte, who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017 and left Napoli this summer, features on a list of managers who could replace Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

Reports in Italy this week suggested the Italian, 57, had set 'specific conditions' about taking over at United in talks held the same night as Carrick's team were being beaten 4-1 by Como in the Champions League.

La Repubblica claimed Conte wants 'carte blanche on the transfer market' and to act as a manager, rather than a head coach, with a technical staff behind the scenes chosen by him involving 'trusted collaborators'.

Conte has now spoken out - and does not deny talks have been held but insists 'there are no negotiations at an advanced stage' after 'links with numerous clubs'.

'My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage,' Conte said.

'Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.

'I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my 'strong personality'. These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.

'Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties' needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.'

Conte has long been known for his combustible personality - as well as an impressive winning record as a coach. At Chelsea, he fell out with star striker Diego Costa, centre back David Luiz and the club's board. At Napoli, he left a year after winning the Serie A title and said there was 'too much poison, too much malice' at the club.

This week, ex-United star Ashley Young, who played under Conte at Inter Milan, told The Overlap: 'He's crazy.

'You hear him non-stop. Training is intense, there's a lot of running, it's a little bit boring. Meetings were long, even up to four hours if we lost a game. If United sign him and players don't run, it's going to be a disaster.' 

United director of football Jason Wilcox is understood to prefer a Premier League proven manager - if Carrick is sacked - with Eddie Howe, Fabian Hurzeler, Unai Emery and Conte, who have all come up on a shortlist, a tick in that category.

Meanwhile director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is understood to be pushing hard for Julian Nagelsmann. 

In-fighting at United is rife right now, not least after captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned the tactics of his manager after the abject 4-1 defeat at the hands of Como.

'It needs to start at the top,' one source close to a first team player said.

'Recruitment guys, manager, the lot need to go.'

Another source said: 'This needs a strong board to make hard decisions fast. They've already wasted too much time.'

United have stressed that Vivell and Wilcox maintain a healthy relationship even in such trying circumstances, but many close to the dressing room are telling a different story.

'At this club, there's too much focus on what's been done in the past, but we're not those people anymore,' Fernandes told Sky Italia after the Como defeat.

'The club and the players need to understand that. Unfortunately for us - especially when it comes to the players - those who join expect to win trophies, win games, and reach the highest level, but unfortunately that's been very difficult at this club in recent years. That's the situation.'