Wednesday 1 June 2016 11:17, UK
Manchester United have no plans to appoint a sporting director to work alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and new manager Jose Mourinho, Sky Sports News HQ has been told.
It emerged in Spain over the past 48 hours that Sevilla's highly-regarded sporting director Monchi - real name Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo - is determined to leave the club this summer, with Old Trafford touted as a possible destination.
As well as being linked with Monchi, United were also reportedly looking at Atletico Madrid's Italian sporting director Andrea Berta, who has worked closely on a number of transfers and contract negotiations with Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes.
However, Sky sources have learned there are no plans in place to make any such appointment at Manchester United, with Mourinho and Woodward set to conduct the club's business in the transfer market together - with the considerable support of Mendes behind them.
Woodward has been criticised for his handling of United's recent transfer activity, leading to reports a sporting director would be appointed to add experience in the market to the club's current management structure.
Sky Sports News HQ reported last month how United 'hesitated' over the potential signing of Renato Sanches from Benfica this summer, although United insisted former manager Louis van Gaal vetoed the signing.
Other targets United are perceived to have missed out on have seen further criticism thrown in Woodward's direction over the past two years, amongst them Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Toni Kroos.
There was also the strange situation in 2013 where it emerged imposters claimed to be acting for Manchester United in a bungled attempt to sign Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao. The midfielder remained at the club that summer, but went on to join United a year later.
In addition, the fee United paid Monaco for Anthony Martial raised eyebrows in football circles. It was understood Martial was available for considerably less than the amount United paid for him, had they acted earlier in the summer.
Reports claimed United could pay as much as £61.5m if all the clauses in Martial's transfer are met, while Tottenham were quoted a much lower figure weeks before the player moved to Old Trafford.
Mourinho himself endured a frustrating transfer window at Chelsea last summer. The club saw three bids for John Stones rejected by Everton and sold left-back Filipe Luis without having a replacement ready to come in, meaning Augsburg were able to hold out for over £20m for Baba Rahman.
Meanwhile, Sevilla have said they expect Monchi to honour his contract at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. His current deal runs until 2020, although Everton remain an option for him if he is able to negotiate his way out of the club.
Everton are keen on the idea of appointing a sporting director to help them rebuild their squad after the recent investment of Farhad Moshiri.
The club expect to receive bids this summer for Stones and Romelu Lukaku and are keen on the appointment of an experienced sporting director to strengthen their current management structure.
Monchi has earned a reputation as one of the most successful sporting directors in the world over the past decade and has helped Sevilla make a profit of over £150m during his time in charge, whilst still delivering silverware.
He spotted Dani Alves early in his career and signed him for €500,000 - five years later, Alves was sold to Barcelona for €35m.
Sevilla also made a huge profit when selling Ivan Rakitic to the Catalan club, having paid Schalke just €2.5m for him in 2011.
It has been reported Moshiri has already held talks with Sevilla manager Unai Emery, who last month led the club to a third successive Europa League title.
Sky Sports News HQ has been told Emery and Monchi would both welcome the chance to work together in England in the future, should the right opportunity arise.
