Juventus chief Fabio Paratici is 'highly esteemed' by figures at Manchester United, according to an agent in Italy.
Paratici is one of the many names to have been linked with a move to Old Trafford as United continue to contemplate the appointment of their first ever sporting director.
United first began to look for a director of football during Jose Mourinho's reign at the club and have again toyed with the suggestion ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took permanent control.
The club's recent recruitment success in the transfer market has somewhat eased the demands for a specialist to be appointed, however it has not completely stopped the rumour mill from churning.
Paratici worked as Juventus' sporting director for seven years between 2011 and 2018, before being promoted to chief football officer and eventually to his current position of managing director of football.
Now, Italian agent and intermediary, Vincenzo Morabito, has claimed Paratici is admired by key figures at both United and Real Madrid amid uncertainty over his future in Turin.
“Fabio is one of the best European directors," Morabito told Tuttosport.
"It is no coincidence he is highly esteemed by Manchester United and has a privileged relationship with Florentino Perez, who has tried several times to bring him to Real Madrid.
“Yes, Paratici will remain at Juventus. With Federico Cherubini [Juve sporting director], he found a point of balance. They complement each other.”
