Manchester United have held “exploratory talks” with Antonio Conte and Julen Lopetegui, according to CaughtOffside.com.

The Red Devils are not currently looking to replace Erik ten Hag as manager but it is believed that “initial contact” has been made with potential candidates if they decide to dispense with the Dutchman’s services this summer.

Despite some good recent results, United are still 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool, while they are 6 points adrift of the top four.

If there isn’t a discernable improvement in the team’s form between now and May, there is a possibility that ten Hag will be relieved of his duties when the season comes to an end.

Lopetegui would be interested in the United position

After parting ways with Wolves on the eve of the new season, Julen Lopetegui has not taken up another job. He has received offers from Saudi Arabia but the Spaniard is said to be keen on managing another club in English football.

Both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have been posited as potential destinations but United would present a more attractive project. The 57-year-old has been interviewed for the job before but, for one reason or another, he did not end up taking the reins at Old Trafford.

Conte is another candidate who could replace ten Hag

The former Chelsea head coach has been out of work since being sacked by Tottenham in March last year. There have been rumours that he could replace Stefano Pioli as AC Milan boss but there have been no developments on that front for a while.

Caught Offside also suggest that Conte would prefer to stay in Italy, although he could be tempted by the United job. Whether he would be the right fit for the club, though, is another matter.

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