Manchester United have discussed the possibility of appointing Steve Walsh as a director of football.

Walsh, who played a key role in Leicester City signing the likes of Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante and Jamie Vardy while chief scout there, left his role as director of football with Everton last year.

Indeed his reputation was tarnished amid criticism over the Goodison Park club's recruitment under Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce. Over £150million was spent, however, many Everton insiders maintain that not all the players bought were down to Walsh as different voices within the club hierarchy fought for their own choices.

Ex-Leicester assistant Steve Walsh is an option for director of football at Manchester United

United chief Ed Woodward has been working to identify a director of football for the club

Prior to his Everton experience, Walsh was highly regarded in the game as someone with an astute eye for a player and his opinion is still sought after.

He is understood to have support at Manchester United from leading and influential figures who point out he has great knowledge and experience to apply to their recruitment process.

As first revealed by Sportsmail in March, United have offered a role to former player Darren Fletcher which is as yet unspecified but expected to be broad in terms of liaising between the playing staff and board, advising on recruitment at all levels and implementing better structure around the training ground.

United have offered a role to Darren Fletcher, which will see him oversee club signings

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is understood to be a big admirer of 35-year-old Fletcher and believes he has the intelligence and connection with the club to help transform the current malaise behind the scenes.

Woodward would still preside over transfer decisions with Matt Judge and John Murtough while taking advice from technical chief scout Mick Court but Fletcher's input would be valued.

Despite the call for a more experienced head such as Walsh, Woodward still favours the dynamic that would involve Fletcher in the hope that will help United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to re-instil the club's identity and values.

United are continuing to push for young players who will listen to Solskjaer's advice and that of coach Mike Phelan.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need help bringing in players should Paul Pogba leave the club

They have been told to bid more up front if they wish to succeed in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace for £50million and face a struggle to convince £80m-rated Harry Maguire to join from Leicester City with the player preferring to join rivals Manchester City.

Romelu Lukaku will be allowed to go if a suitable offer arrives while Juan Mata has been offered a one-year contract extension and a role at the club when his career finishes.

United insist Paul Pogba will not be sold though Real Madrid will up their efforts to sign the Frenchman over the coming weeks.