Manchester United have been erratic under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so far this season.
And with Antonio Conte available, the Italian has emerged as a potential option to take over at Old Trafford. Should that happen, it’s possible he’ll request transfer backing from the Glazers.
Should United lose to Liverpool on Sunday, calls for Solskjaer’s head will likely grow in volume.
And, ahead of that match, Duncan Castles has claimed Conte is interested in taking over – providing he gets control.
“I think there are two obvious candidates in terms of coaches who have achieved at the top level of the game, who are out of work and would be available to Manchester United without compensation fees,” he told Reach PLC’s Transfer Window podcast.
“One is Zinedine Zidane and one is Antonio Conte.
“Conte’s position, I’m told, is that he is interested in the Manchester United job but not without restrictions.
“Antonio Conte, when he chooses his next club, wants a club where he can win the Champions League.
“He wants to demonstrate, he’s wanted to do it for a long time, that he is one of the very best coaches in world football.
“To do that he knows he has to win the Champions League, so Manchester United are interesting because of the squad they’ve got, because of their status and because of the resource that is behind them.”
Conte would bring a winning mentality to the Red Devils should he take over.
So Iduport will now take a look at three signings the Italian could make.
Nicolo Barella
At Inter Milan, Conte helped Nicolo Barella establish himself.
The Italy international has kicked on over the past 12 months and was a key asset as his country won Euro 2020 back in the summer.
And with United needing a defensive midfielder, it’s possible Conte would target the 24-year-old.
Fred and Scott McTominay have struggled for consistency this term, while Nemanja Matic is on the wane.
And with Inter still looking to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, a move for Barella would certainly make sense.
Kieran Trippier
Conte likes his teams to play with three at the back.
So, in order to use that system at Old Trafford, it’s feasible he’d green-light a potential move for Kieran Trippier.
Trippier remains a United transfer target, with the board admiring the Atletico Madrid star for his experience and versatility.
And with Aaron Wan-Bissaka failing to develop from an attacking perspective, a move for Trippier would make sense.
Conte would likely trust the former Tottenham star who, at the age of 31, is in the peak years of his career.
Federico Chiesa
Conte wanted to bring Federico Chiesa to Inter Milan before the Italian moved to Juventus instead.
And with Jadon Sancho struggling, it’s possible he’d look to unite with his compatriot in the Premier League.
Chelsea and Liverpool have been strongly linked with Chiesa in recent months.
But with Sancho struggling to adapt to life at Old Trafford, a move for the Fiorentina star could be on the cards.
Reuniting him with Cristiano Ronaldo, who he played with at Juventus, would be expensive. But, given Chiesa’s talents, such investment may be worth it.