Manchester United's negotiations with Erik ten Hag are at "an advanced stage," sources have told ESPN, with the framework of a deal in place for him to become the new manager at Old Trafford.

Sources on both sides of the negotiations insist a formal agreement has not yet been signed, but the expectation is that Ten Hag will be announced as the next permanent boss, possibly before the end of April.

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ESPN reported last week United were set to finalise the appointment, and Ten Hag has been keen to ensure he will be given the best chance of success, and has raised questions during talks about the club's structure, recruitment process and how much money will be available to strengthen the squad.

However, sources close to the 52-year-old have stressed he has never demanded full control over signings and insist he is happy to have a veto over new players along with the recruitment department, which is in line with the power granted to previous managers Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ten Hag will stay in charge of Ajax until the end of the season, when they conclude their campaign with a trip to Vitesse on May 15, but is likely to have an influence on transfer dealings before then.