Antonio Conte has held talks with Manchester United over replacing Michael Carrick but has ‘set specific conditions’ during negotiations with the club’s hierarchy, according to reports in Italy.

Michael Carrick’s position is under increasing threat following United’s 4-0 defeat away to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The result leaves United with just two wins in 11 matches across all competitions since the start of the season.

Carrick will remain in charge for United’s Premier League fixture at home to Bournemouth on Sunday but another heavy defeat could signal the end of the 45-year-old’s time at Old Trafford.

According to La Repubblica, Conte is open to returning to the Premier League but the Italian has made his demands clear during discussions with senior United figures this week.

The report claims that Conte ‘is asking for carte blanche on the transfer market’ in order to improve the depth of United’s squad in January and next summer.

Conte also wants United’s hierarchy to allow him to identify the players already in the squad who will be a key part of his plans going forward, as well as those who will be considered surplus to requirements.

The Italian is said to want ‘trusted collaborators at his side’ if he is to make the move to United.

However, The Times reports that Conte’s salary demands, which would be in excess of £10 million a year, could be prohibitive.

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United’s hierarchy also have concerns over Conte’s fiery personality, which was a factor behind his departure at both Chelsea and Tottenham.

However, Conte has a proven track record of producing immediate results having guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season at Stamford Bridge, as well as the Serie A title in his debut campaign with both Juventus and Napoli.

United, meanwhile, are exploring multiple options with Eddie Howe, who left Newcastle United in July, on the club’s shortlist alongside the former Bayern Munich and Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Unai Emery and Fabian Hurzeler are also admired by United’s hierarchy but both Aston Villa and Brighton would demand significant compensation packages.