Conte denies 'advanced negotiations' with Man Utd but BBC Sport understands he is keen
Antonio Conte has denied being in "advanced negotiations" with any club after reports he held talks with Manchester United about replacing Michael Carrick. The Italian responded to claims he demanded full control of transfer policy, but BBC Sport understands he is interested in the Old Trafford job.
- Headline: Conte says no talks are at an "advanced stage" with any club.
- Context: Reports in Italy claimed Conte held talks with United's board about replacing Carrick.
- Key denial: Conte dismissed reports of financial demands and requests for full control as "unfounded".
- BBC Sport understanding: Conte is keen on the Manchester United job.
- Carrick status: Set to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth.
- Other candidates: Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann are also understood to have their eyes on the role.
What was said
"My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage."
"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."
"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's statement is carefully worded. He does not deny holding talks with United — only that any negotiations are at an "advanced stage". That leaves room for the possibility that initial conversations have taken place, while pushing back on the specifics of the La Repubblica report.
The denial of financial demands and requests for full control is significant. Those are exactly the kind of terms that can stall a deal before it starts, and Conte is keen to ensure his reputation for demanding autonomy does not precede him in any future negotiation. His final sentence reads like a man keeping the door open.
Why Conte's denial is more nuanced than it looks
Antonio Conte is a free agent after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, where he won the Serie A title in his first campaign and the Supercoppa Italiana in his final one. That track record makes him an attractive option for a Manchester United board that has begun identifying possible replacements for Michael Carrick.
But Conte's history of demanding control over transfers is well known, and the La Repubblica report that he had requested full control of United's transfer policy and intended to appoint his own staff at Old Trafford fits that narrative. Conte's denial of those specific claims is an attempt to reset the conversation before any formal approach.
United's interest in Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann gives the board options. Howe, the former Newcastle boss, and Nagelsmann, the ex-Germany manager, are both understood to have their eyes on the job. That competition may explain why Conte is keen to clarify his position publicly — he does not want to be painted as a difficult negotiator while rivals are available.
The timing is also instructive. Carrick is set to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth, but sources have told BBC Sport that United have begun the process of identifying possible replacements. That process is now public, and Conte's statement is part of it.
Talking points
- Conte denies "advanced" talks but not talks altogether — is he being economical with the truth, or simply managing expectations?
- If United want Conte, they must accept his demand for control. Is the board prepared to cede that power after years of dysfunction?
- Howe and Nagelsmann are safer, more modern choices. Does United need Conte's winning edge or a rebuild with a younger coach?
- Carrick remains in charge for Bournemouth. A heavy defeat could accelerate the process and force United's hand.
What happens next
Carrick takes charge of United for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth. A positive result would ease immediate pressure; a poor one would intensify the search for a successor. United's board is already assessing candidates, with Conte, Howe and Nagelsmann in the frame. Conte's public clarification may prompt further contact, but any formal approach would likely come after the Bournemouth fixture.
Frequently asked questions
Is Antonio Conte in advanced talks with Manchester United?
No. Conte said there are "no negotiations at an advanced stage" with any club, though BBC Sport understands he is keen on the job.
Who else is in the frame to replace Michael Carrick?
Former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann are both understood to have their eyes on the job.
Will Michael Carrick be in charge for Bournemouth?
Yes. Carrick is set to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth.
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