Manchester United have stepped up their search for a new technical director, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton head of recruitment, Paul Mitchell, high on the list of targets.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, has recognised a need for more joined-up, long-term thinking in the transfer market after five years of scattergun spending compounded by the contrasting views and approaches of managers David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and now Jose Mourinho.

United are determined to develop a more cohesive approach to recruitment and want an experienced figure who can work closely with the manager to head up that department.

Mitchell is highly regarded in the game and earned his reputation heading up the recruitment departments at Southampton and Tottenham, where he worked closely with manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine – who has been touted as a potential successor to Mourinho at Old Trafford – was instrumental in bringing Mitchell from Southampton to Tottenham in December 2014, seven months after his appointment as head coach.