Atletico Madrid's sporting director Andrea Berta is back on the radar of Manchester United.

The London Evening Standard says Berta has emerged as a leading contender in United's search for a director of football.

The Italian is one of the top candidates being considered by Ed Woodward as part of a major restructuring of the club's football operations.

United are already believed to have registered their interest as they seek to make an appointment before the end of the year.

Juventus' Fabio Paratici has also been recommended, while former Southampton and Tottenham transfer guru Paul Mitchell - now at RB Leipzig - has long-been on their radar.

But Woodward's focus has increasingly turned to Berta as he narrows his list of candidates capable of providing a buffer between Jose Mourinho and the board.