Sporting Lisbon are allegedly of the opinion that Ruben Amorim's move to Manchester United is almost complete.
Ever since Erik ten Hag was sacked by the Premier League giants on Monday morning, Amorim has been the standout candidate to replace the Dutchman.
Just over 24 hours on from that formal announcement by United, Sporting were publicly revealing that a request had been made to pay the 39-year-old's release clause.
That stands in the region of £8.3m, a substantial fee particularly when United are already shelling out a lucrative compensation package to Ten Hag.
Despite everything pointing towards Amorim eventually arriving at Old Trafford, Sporting's head coach indicated that nothing was imminent when quizzed on the topic on Tuesday night.
Furthermore, there is said to be a 30-day notice period in Amorim's contract, something that has the potential to hold out a move to England.
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Sporting preparing to wave goodbye to Amorim?
However, according to Sky Sports News, Sporting feel that matters are effectively a 'done deal' and expect a conclusion over the coming days.
The Primeira Liga leaders are due to be back in action as soon as Friday night when they play host to Estrela Amadora and presumably want to know whether Amorim will be in the dugout.
As it stands, that looks highly unlikely with Amorim having allegedly already told Sporting that he is eager to finalise a move to United.
A number of officials from the North West giants have travelled to Portugal in a bid to wrap up negotiations as swiftly as possible.
That said, financial issues regarding three backroom members that Amorim wants to take with him may hold up the pending transaction.
Sporting are reportedly prepared to hold out for another £4.15m in order to allow the trio to depart Estadio Jose Alvalade.
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What are United doing in the short term?
United confirmed immediately after Ten Hag's departure that Ruud van Nistelrooy would be taking charge of Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth round fixture with Leicester City.
Nevertheless, more eyes are on the Premier League showdown with Chelsea that follows on Sunday, and it remains unclear how long United will wait before deciding who be in the dugout for that game.
Darren Plant
