Antonio Conte looks set to miss out on the Manchester United job, with the Red Devils closing in on Mauricio Pochettino as Michael Carrick’s replacement.

According to The Athletic, United spent Tuesday working on personal terms with Pochettino’s representatives, and no major problems are expected. The club haven’t yet contacted US Soccer, though. Pochettino is under contract as the United States’ head coach until 2031, and he has a release clause of around $10m (£7.4m).

Conte overlooked by Manchester United

Conte had been heavily linked with the job. The former Napoli and Chelsea coach has been out of work since leaving the Partenopei last summer, and he was seen as one of the leading candidates as pressure grew on Carrick.

He played down the speculation last month, insisting there were “no negotiations at an advanced stage”. United now appear to have made their choice.

Carrick’s position has become untenable. United have won only three of their last 15 games and are in the Premier League relegation zone. They also suffered a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como last month.

The Athletic also revealed that Pochettino met Milan representatives before this summer’s World Cup to discuss their vacant coaching job, before the Rossoneri appointed former United coach Ruben Amorim.