For the past 48 hours so, various Italian outlets have had reports stating Antonio Conte is the main candidate to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.
When providing details about the talks between the Italian and the Red Devils, journalist Fabio Santini even stressed the 52-year-old had turned down the chance to join Newcastle United, preferring the chance to work for Manchester United.
The Magpies are in need of a new manager after parting ways with Steve Bruce a week ago.
Their search for his successor has not yet yielded a result, despite the considerable funds that were made available after the club’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Conte has been without a job since leaving Inter Milan after guiding them to a title success last season.
Speaking to Centro Suono Sport, Italian journalist Francesco Balzani said he is hopeful the former Chelsea manager takes the Newcastle job so that there is no threat of AS Roma replacing José Mourinho with Conte.
“I hope Conte goes to Newcastle, so we take away the fear for Mourinho, who I hope will stay at Roma for another 5 years,” Balzani said, as relayed by LaRoma 24.
Mourinho signed a three-year deal with Roma and Balzani is hopeful the Portuguese coach continues in the Italian capital until 2026. That is not a view shared by everyone.
