Antonio Conte has denied being in “advanced negotiations” with any team following claims that he discussed the Manchester United position.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica, external reported on Thursday that Conte had spoken with United officials about succeeding Michael Carrick after Wednesday’s 4-1 loss to Como.
According to the report, the former Chelsea head coach wanted complete authority over United’s transfer strategy and planned to bring his own coaching team to Old Trafford.
Conte is believed to be interested in the role, but the Italian insists he has not entered advanced discussions with any team.
“I have been associated with several clubs, although none of those situations has reached an advanced negotiating stage,” Conte wrote on Instagram.
“I have seen stories claiming that I have already made financial demands, requested total control and caused concern because of my so-called strong personality. None of those claims is accurate.
“If a genuine opportunity becomes available, I will then speak with the relevant club and work together to assess the conditions of a possible agreement, respecting the needs of both sides as well as the principles and methods that shape my work as a coach.”
Carrick faces uncertainty over his position at Old Trafford following the heavy Champions League defeat against Cesc Fabregas’ Como earlier this week.
Carrick is expected to lead the team in Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, but United have reportedly started considering potential successors.
Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, Conte and former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann are all thought to be interested in the vacancy.
Conte, who represented Juventus and Italy during an accomplished playing career, has been without a club since departing Napoli at the end of last season.
He secured the Serie A championship in his opening season in Naples before adding the Supercoppa Italiana during his final campaign.
The 57-year-old guided Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first Stamford Bridge season in 2016-17, then defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup final a year later.
He came back to the Premier League in 2021 to succeed Jose Mourinho as Tottenham Hotspur manager.
His spell in north London ended after only 16 months, with Conte departing in March 2023 following an extraordinary press conference in which he questioned the club’s culture and described the players as “selfish”.
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