Manchester United have informed Sporting of their interest in paying Ruben Amorim’s release clause, the Portuguese club confirmed on Tuesday.
A statement from Sporting revealed that United are willing to trigger the €10 million (£8.3 million) release clause to acquire the services of Amorim.
The 13-time Premier League champions are in hot search for a new manager after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on Monday following a string of poor results.
Sporting, however, declared to the CMVM, Portugal’s financial regulator, that United have approached them for the services of Amorim and the English club are ready to settle the release clause.
“Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in hiring coach Ruben Amorim, with the Board of Directors of Sporting SAD referring to the terms and conditions set out in the employment contract in force between the Company and the coach, specifically the respective termination clause and the amount of Euro 10,000,000.00,” the statement said.
“Manchester United FC has expressed an interest in paying Sporting SAD the amount of the aforementioned clause.”
Amorim, who is close to joining United, has been previously linked to the Liverpool job following the departure of German coach Jurgen Klopp, but the Reds settled for Dutchman Arne Slot.
The former Portugal international is one of the most sought-after coaches at the moment, having led Sporting to two Liga Portugal titles since he took over in March 2020.
The 39-year-old, who had an internship spell under Jose Mourinho six years ago at United, is expected to lead Sporting for the final time when they take on Nacional in the quarterfinals of the Taca de Liga at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese has his work cut out for him as United, who will be handled temporarily by interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, are currently 14th in the Premier League with just three wins in their opening nine matches and 21st in the Europa League.
The Red Devils will play Leicester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday in the EFL Cup round of 16.
