Massimiliano Allegri is 'very close' to agreeing a deal to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Manchester United's manager, according to reports.

Solskjaer has endured a difficult start to the season and the Premier League giants sit 15 points off the top just eight matches in.

And now, according to Tuttosport, United's hierarchy are ready to act and are closing in on the appointment of former Juventus boss Allegri in a deal worth £6.5m a year.

Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly close to agreeing a £6.5m-a-season deal at Man United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered a disastrous start to the season and could soon be sacked

Tuttosport's front page on Wednesday says that Allegri is closing in on a deal to take over at Manchester United

It has been reported by the Italian paper that Allegri wants to bring former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can and Mario Mandzukic, the Croatian striker, with him as he plans an overhaul at Old Trafford.

Last season, Jose Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United before Christmas and there is the possibility that Solskjaer could suffer the same fate.

Following United's latest defeat, away at Newcastle before the international break, talks with Allegri are said to have intensified.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are also keeping tabs on the ex-Juventus boss with the future of their own manager Mauricio Pochettino still unclear.

The situation is expected to be cleared up relatively quickly, with Allegri pushing for United to decide quickly as he wants as much time as possible to revive the club's 'already-compromised' season.

Allegri has promised Patrice Evra (left) a spot on his coaching team if he takes over at United

Allegri wants to bring former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can with him to Old Trafford

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As reported by Sportsmail earlier in the week, Allegri would want Patrice Evra to join him on his backroom staff if appointed.

Evra played for the English giants between 2006 and 2014 - winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League - and a return to Old Trafford would prove a hugely popular decision among fans.

Evra has often expressed his desire to return to Old Trafford to help the club back to the glory days after losing their dominant title within England.

Allegri - currently out of a job after stepping down as Juventus boss at the end of last season - has promised the former French left back he'll include him among his backroom team in the event of an agreement with United.