Mauricio Pochettino is closing in on a deal to become Manchester United's next manager, with the club having opened talks with the US Soccer Federation. Pochettino has a £7m buy-out clause in his contract with the US body and is ready to accept United's offer.
United's hierarchy are meeting in Monaco, where they are expected to decide to part ways with Michael Carrick and then press ahead with a move for Pochettino, who has become their unanimous choice.
Carrick's future in doubt
Chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe are discussing the club's plans, but Carrick has been left hanging after he did not turn up to the club's training ground on Wednesday morning.
United are 18th in the Premier League, inside the relegation zone, after winning just one of their first 10 games and none since August. It is United's lowest position at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986-87, when they were 20th.
Pochettino's appeal and contract details
Pochettino, who has been linked with the United job on three separate occasions in the past 10 years, signed a new contract in August to stay in charge of the US national team until 2030. The Argentine did a good job with the United States at the World Cup and convinced the federation to give him a new deal, but the ex-Spurs and Chelsea boss never hid his desire to return to club management.
That explains the buy-out clause in his contract. United holds huge appeal for Pochettino, who loves English football and living in England, and this is a job he has found impossible to resist.
Timing and next steps
There is also an issue for Pochettino because the United States face a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti over the next week. That means there is unlikely to be an immediate announcement, but the US are fully aware of the interest.
While United looked at other candidates like Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, it was Pochettino who had the most overwhelming support, and the decision to move for him will be a unanimous one. There were reservations with all the other potential candidates, and Pochettino's style of play, personality and charisma have also made him a very popular choice with the fans.
Even though the next few days may drag out over Pochettino's appointment, the hope is he will be in charge well before United's next game, which is at Liverpool on Sunday week.
