Rio Ferdinand is keen on a return to former club Manchester United as technical director.
Talks have been held between United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Ferdinand over the former defender taking up the newly-created role this summer.
United will appoint their first technical director in the coming weeks, to work between manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Woodward on player incomings and outgoings.
Ferdinand, who left United in 2014 after 12 years and 455 appearances, is said to have impressed Woodward during their talks, in particular with his understanding of what is required at the club going forward.
Woodward is known to value Ferdinand's judgment and the pair were in regular contact before the technical director role was broached, with a view to the 40-year-old potentially taking it on.
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United see the technical director role as identifying areas of the squad that need addressing and finding the right players to fill those positions as part of a long-term, holistic and strategic approach.
Matt Judge, United's head of corporate development, will remain in charge of negotiations and closing deals, leaving the technical director free to identity players and liaise between Woodward and Solskjaer.
Ferdinand is seen as having the knowledge and strong personality to carry out the role, with United keen for their technical director to have an affinity with the club and its unique demands.
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Former England international Ferdinand ticks those boxes, although United have spoken with several candidates and have yet to make a final decision on who will take up the position.
It is understood United are keen to have their technical director in position in time to play a part in this summer's transfer window, although several targets have already been identified.
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Ferdinand and Solskjaer were team-mates between 2002 and 2007, and the there is said to be huge respect between the pair, who United chiefs believe could form a successful working alliance.
Also linked with the technical director role are Solskjaer's current assistant, Mike Phelan, former United keeper Edwin van der Sar, ex-United midfielder Jordi Cruyff and current head of development John Murtagh.
