Ruben Amorim is understood to be the frontrunner for the AC Milan head coach position, according to BBC Sport, as the Italian giants search for a successor to Massimiliano Allegri.

The 41-year-old Portuguese has been without a club since Manchester United dismissed him in January, ending a difficult 14-month stint at Old Trafford. Sources close to the former Sporting boss had also moved to rule out a sentimental return to Benfica, where he made 154 appearances across six years as a player.

Talks under way but no deal yet

No formal agreement has been reached, but conversations have taken place between AC Milan and representatives of Amorim, who sits high on the club's shortlist. Allegri was let go in May after Milan failed to secure a Champions League berth for next season.

The Serie A side had appeared to be in comfortable shape, holding a nine-point cushion over fifth place following a win over Inter in March. However, they then collected only 10 points from their final 10 matches — finishing a single point behind Como, who claimed the last UEFA Champions League qualification spot on the final day of the season.

Other names in the frame

Amorim is not the only candidate under consideration. Mauricio Pochettino, currently in charge of the United States national team, has been linked with the vacancy, as has Oliver Glasner, who departed Crystal Palace after guiding the club to UEFA Conference League glory against Rayo Vallecano.

Ralf Rangnick, another former Manchester United manager who had been mentioned in connection with the Milan role, is no longer a realistic option. The Austrian national team boss has committed his future to the country by extending his contract through to 2028.

A reunion on the horizon

Should Amorim take charge at AC Milan, he would face a familiar opponent very early in his tenure. The two clubs are scheduled to meet in a pre-season fixture in Wroclaw, Poland on 15 August — just one week before the Premier League campaign gets under way.