Antonio Conte addresses Manchester United links, insisting no talks are at an advanced stage

Antonio Conte has clarified his position amid speculation that he has held talks with Manchester United.

Conte has been named as a potential successor should Michael Carrick be sacked, amid Manchester United's disappointing start to the season.

The 57-year-old has been out of work since leaving Napoli at the end of last season, and has been heavily linked with a Premier League return.

Conte won the Premier League title at Chelsea in 2016/17 and had a spell with Tottenham Hotspur. He's also won five league titles in Serie A during spells in charge of Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli.

Writing on Instagram, Conte clarified the reports and said there 'are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage' with any club.

"Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position," he said.

"My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage. Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.

"I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my “strong personality”. These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.

"Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties’ needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as a manager.

"Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact."