Manchester United are in talks over a deal to make Ruben Amorim their new head coach.

The Sporting boss, who is regarded as one of the best young coaches in Europe, is the leading contender to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford after he was sacked on Monday.

United have made contact with Amorim, with the Athletic reporting they are “ready to pay” his £8.3million release clause.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been placed interim charge and will be in the dugout for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Leicester at Old Trafford.

Amorim has been on the radar of Premier League clubs after twice winning the Portuguese title with Sporting.

The 39-year-old was in the frame to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer, while he also had talks with West Ham when they were searching for a successor to David Moyes.

Most recently, Amorim has been touted as a contender to step into Pep Guardiola’s shoes if he decides to leave Manchester City.

Amorim was quizzed about the Manchester United job during a press conference on Monday, but refused to discuss the topic.

“I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future because otherwise I’ll always have to comment,” he said. “I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”

Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League.

The Dutchman had an option on his contract triggered back in June, which extended it for another season, and is reportedly due about £13m in compensation.