Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has reportedly held lengthy talks with Rio Ferdinand over joining the club in a backroom position.
Ferdinand, who won multiple honours at Old Trafford during his 12-year playing career there, is the latest in a growing list of former United players to be linked with the newly-created technical director position.
The 40-year-old refused to give anything away on Tuesday when asked to comment on the speculation, but the Manchester Evening News suggests that he is now a serious contender to re-join the Red Devils.
Woodward is said to have been struck by Ferdinand's clarification as to how the club should go about their 'cultural rest', following what has been another disappointing campaign for the 13-time Premier League champions.
A source is quoted as saying said: "Rio speaks to everyone at club regularly and has done since he left, which is only natural after playing there for 12 years."
The report indicates that the former centre-back will be tasked with eyeing future transfer targets and working closely with the academy if he formally accepts the job.
