Manchester United are in discussions to bring in Ralf Rangnick as interim manager, the PA news agency understands.

The Premier League club have identified the German, who is currently the director of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow, as a potential short-term successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Rangnick played County League football for Southwick when he was studying at the University of Sussex.

He could be in charge when Albion go to Old Trafford next month.

United sacked Solskjaer last weekend after a poor run of results culminating in Saturday’s 4-1 thrashing at Watford.

BRIGHTON'S ENOCK MWEPU COULD FACE LEEDS UNITED

Coach Michael Carrick took charge for Tuesday’s Champions League game at Villarreal but the club want to bring in a more experienced figure until the end of the season. They then intend to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

A deal has not been finalised with Rangnick. Both the 63-year-old and United are respectful of Lokomotiv and want to proceed in an orderly manner.