Former AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini is being linked with Manchester United.

As Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys into the club, the billionaire is pushing for a sporting director to be hired - a first for United.

Paul Mitchell, formerly of AS Monaco, is favourite for the post.

But the Telegraph says Maldini is also under consideration. The Italian was sacked by Milan at the end of last season and remains a free agent.

Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta is also on Ratcliffe's shortlist.