Manchester United are working to appoint Christopher Vivell on an initial short-term basis to help with the summer transfer window.
It is the latest step being taken by the Old Trafford club to build out their sporting structure under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Previously employed by RB Leipzig and most recently Chelsea, Vivell will lend expertise around talent ID and player recruitment.
Any appointment would come a year after his separation from Chelsea amid a reorganisation under co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
The 37-year-old German would bring with him to United a knowledge of operating in a multi-club model, which is expected be explored by the new-look hierarchy going forward.
United confirmed on Monday a deal to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director after reaching an agreement with Newcastle United.
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He will report into Omar Berrada, another new arrival, who will start work as CEO later this month after joining from Manchester City.
Jason Wilcox, formerly of Southampton, has already started in the position of technical director.
Vivell joined Chelsea as technical director in December 2022 before leaving Stamford Bridge in July 2023.
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