Former Juventus boss Max Allegri has been learning English as he targets a switch to Manchester United.
Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure after a slow start to the season, with his team sitting in tenth on the Premier League table.
The Guardian says Allegri would be keen to replace Solskjaer at Old Trafford if the Norwegian is sacked.
The Italian, who left his role at Juventus, would be willing to take the job at United even if the club do not quality for next season's Champions League.
He has been taking English lessons in preparation and would be placed on a two or three man shortlist by United should Solskjaer be sacked.
However, the club do not have any plans to part ways with a coach they only recently signed to a three-year extension.
