Conte denies he is in 'advanced negotiations' with Manchester United
Antonio Conte said on Instagram on Thursday that he was not in "advanced negotiations" with any club after La Repubblica reported he had held talks with Manchester United about replacing Michael Carrick. The Italian newspaper also reported Conte had demanded full control of transfer policy and intended to appoint his own staff at Old Trafford.
The reports followed Manchester United's 4-1 defeat to Como on Wednesday, a result that has left Carrick's future uncertain. BBC Sport understands Conte is interested in the role but is not engaged in advanced talks, while sources have told BBC Sport that United have started identifying potential successors.
Conte wrote on Instagram: "My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage." He added: "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." Conte concluded: "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, 57, is a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of last season; he played for Juventus and Italy during his playing career. At Napoli he won the Serie A title in his first season and the Supercoppa Italiana in his final campaign, according to the report.
The former Chelsea manager claimed the Premier League title with the Blues in 2016-17 and defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup final the following season. He returned to the Premier League in 2021 to replace Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur but left in March 2023 after criticising "selfish" players and the club's culture in a remarkable news conference.
Sources told BBC Sport that former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Conte and ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann are among the figures being watched as possible replacements for Carrick. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, whose free-scoring side are sitting third in the Premier League, has distanced himself from the speculation, saying he has a contract with the Seagulls until 2029 and is happy at the club.
Hurzeler said: "I am really focused on my job here. I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days." He also stated: "I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick. He is a great human being, he is a great personality. Every time we meet each other, we have a really good relationship."
Although United have begun the process of identifying possible replacements, Carrick is set to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth.
