Antonio Conte has denied reports in Italy that he had given the green light to a move Manchester United with two conditions.
The Republic reported that Conte had made two demands that would have to be met for him to commit to replacing the low pressure. Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
Conte was said to have insisted on full control of the transfer strategy and the freedom to appoint a bounce-back staff of his choosing.
However, in a post on Instagram, Conte rejected these claims.
“Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I believe it is appropriate to clarify my position,” he wrote.
“My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage. After a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to think about how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one that I will take when I believe the conditions are right.”
“I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have allegedly already made to the aforementioned clubs, as well as reservations about what has been described as my ‘strong personality’. These reports are unfounded as there is currently no concrete basis for these assessments.
“If a specific opportunity arises, it will be the time to hold talks with the club concerned and consider together the terms of a possible agreement, taking into account the needs of both parties and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.
“Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my future career remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact.”
Carrick is under huge pressure after a dismal start to his first permanent season in charge of United.
The former Middlesbrough manager, who played 464 games for United and won 17 trophies with them as a player, enjoyed an excellent spell in charge last season, helping the Red Devils finish third and qualify for the Champions League.
But they have taken just six points from seven games to start the Premier League season, while they have already been knocked out of the EFL Cup.
Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at Como made it two out of three in the Champions League, and Carrick’s position is now thought to be hanging by a thread.
As well as Conte, former Germany manager Julian Naglesmann has been linked with the job, while former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is believed to be director of football Jason Wilcox’s preferred choice.
Conte left Napoli in May, having led them to Serie A glory in 2024-25.
A Premier League title winner with Chelsea, the former Juventus, Inter Milan and Italy manager last worked in England during an ill-fated spell with Tottenham, which ended in March 2023.
Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler distanced himself from speculation linking him with the job.
“I’m very focused on my job here,” Hurzeler said ahead of Sunday’s game at Liverpool. “I don’t have time to think about these rumors because we play every three days and also I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and what he has done for Manchester United last season.
“He’s a great human being, a great personality. There’s nothing more to say about it.
“I’m very privileged to be here,” Hurzeler said. “I’m part of a journey and I still have this feeling when I go to bed that we haven’t finished our journey.
“I always emphasize that I am not 100 percent satisfied and happy with where we are, there are still improvements to be made and potential to come out of the players.
“So I’m really looking forward to working on it, along with my squad. I’ve got a great group of players, players who support me and give everything for the club.
“We’ve built this (together) over the years. We’ve had good periods, we’ve had bad periods. To build those connections you need time. Don’t take them for granted.
“It’s a people business. Making a people business out of that pressure business is something I don’t take for granted and something I’m not going to throw away so quickly.”
United host Bournemouth on Sunday, which could be Carrick’s last chance to save his job.