Manchester United have reportedly reached out to a surprise managerial candidate as the search for Ruben Amorim's permanent successor ramps up. Michael Carrick has taken charge of the Red Devils on a temporary basis until the end of the season. He is not expected to land the job permanently, with a new manager set to be appointed in the summer.

A number of big names have already been linked with the upcoming vacancy at Old Trafford. Oliver Glasner, who will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the campaign, has been touted as the early favourite for the role. The likes of Luis Enrique, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel have also been mentioned in connection with the Red Devils.

However, it seems a new candidate has emerged in the form of Niko Kovac, who has managed Borussia Dortmund since replacing Nuri Sahin last February.

He is among the names on United's shortlist, according to Sky Sports, with the Red Devils having already enquired about his potential availability.

The connection is said to be strong, partly due to the presence of United's director of recruitment Christopher Vivell. Kovac's name was also discussed internally at Chelsea before they decided to appoint Liam Rosenior as Enzo Maresca's replacement.

He remains tied down at Dortmund until the summer of 2027, meaning United will need to agree a compensation package to prise him away from Signal Iduna Park ahead of next season.

While the 54-year-old is said to be fully committed to his current role with Dortmund, it's been suggested that a move to England is a definitive 'wish target' for the future.

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It's claimed that Kovac could 'very well imagine' a managerial stint in the Premier League, hinting that he'd be open to entertaining United should they come calling.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if he will emerge as a target for Tottenham if the north Londoners decide to sack Thomas Frank in the near future.

The latter is under significant pressure following the defeat to West Ham United over the weekend and will go head-to-head with Kovac when Dortmund travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night.

It's been reported that club chiefs have already started the process of looking at potential replacements in the event of Frank's sacking.

However, no final decision has been made on the Dane's future and the long-term plan has always been for him to lead Spurs through a 'transitional period'.