Antonio Conte denies advanced Manchester United talks as Carrick's future is debated

Antonio Conte says he is not in advanced talks with any club, after an Italian newspaper claimed he had met Manchester United's board about replacing Michael Carrick.

Conte posted on Instagram to respond. "My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage," he wrote. He also said reports that he had made financial demands and asked for full control at the clubs mentioned were unfounded.

The original claim came from La Repubblica, which said the talks followed United's 4-1 defeat by Como. Carrick is set to stay in charge for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth. The Premier League is England's top division, and United sit among its best-known clubs.

BBC Sport understands that Conte is keen on the United job. Sources told the broadcaster that the club have begun the process of identifying possible replacements. Eddie Howe, Conte and Julian Nagelsmann are all understood to have their eyes on the post.

Conte is a free agent, which means he has no club contract, after leaving Napoli at the end of last season. He has a strong record. He won Serie A, Italy's top league, in his first season at Napoli, and added the Supercoppa Italiana, Italy's season-opening trophy, in his final campaign. He also won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016-17, and the following season his side beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

Other names have been linked too. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has distanced himself from the speculation. He is under contract at the Amex until 2029, so any move would need Brighton's agreement.

For now, the position is clear on one point. Conte says no deal is close, and Carrick is still in charge. Whether that changes will depend on what United decide in the coming weeks.