Manchester United handed boost in director of football search with Monaco set to sack Paul Mitchell

Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Paul Mitchell as Monaco look set to sack their sporting director.

Mitchell made his name at Southampton, where he worked with Mauricio Pochettino as the Saints became one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.

But was most recently spotted as Ralf Rangnick's guest at Manchester United's FA Youth Cup fixture a fortnight ago, sparking speculation that he could make a move to Old Trafford.

The Englishman moved with Pochettino to Tottenham from the Saints to oversee Spurs' recruitment and he then struck up a relationship with Ralf Rangnick during his time with RB Leipzig.

Mitchell has been with Monaco for 18 months, but it appears United could be his next move, following reports from L'Equipe that he will be sacked as part of widespread changes at the club.

The reports came before Monaco's 3-0 win against Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain but it's claimed Mitchell, vice-president Oleg Petrov and manager Philippe Clement will be dismissed.

The club are seventh in the table and have accumulated just 43 points from 29 matches.

The 40-year-old, however, was quick to put an end to the rumours after his visit to Manchester recently, but circumstances will have most definitely changed since.

He told Monaco-Matin: 'No, it's just that I grew up there and so did my wife. My accent comes from there.

'A part of our family is based there, and my daughter has just bought her first house. I therefore go back there when I can.

'I'm proud to come from there. I will admit that every time I return, Ralf asks me to come for a coffee.

'We're friends, close ones. We worked a lot together. We had success at Leipzig and travelled around the world.

'I had two free hours that day and, before returning to Monaco, I went to see the Youth Cup game with him.'

Newcastle were linked with a move for Mitchell following their huge takeover back in October.

Whether Monaco will change their minds following the huge win over PSG remains yet to be seen. Either way Mitchell could be heading for Old Trafford.