Leicester City head coach Brendan Rodgers has reacted angrily to questions about the possibility of replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Manchester United dugout.
Rodgers is one of a number of names being considered by the Old Trafford hierarchy to take over from under-pressure club legend Solskjaer, who has overseen humiliating home defeats to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks.
90min revealed on Wednesday that the Leicester boss has emerged as a preferred option for United and he would give the Red Devils the green light if and when they make an approach for him, with a plan being put in place behind closed doors for Solskjaer's succession.
Although the ideal scenario would be for the Norwegian to see out the rest of the season in the dugout, there is an acceptance that his position is becoming untenable.
Rodgers was asked directly about a possible move to Man Utd in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Chelsea in Saturday's early kick-off, and it seems he was in no mood to entertain them.
“Firstly, it’s really disrespectful for you to ask the question when there is a manager in place at the club," he said. "Secondly, I can’t comment on it because it’s not real.
"I’m proud to be here at Leicester City. The only thing I’m thinking about is Chelsea and getting ready for that.
"It’s frustrating for supporters and my players, but from a personal perspective, it’s something that it’s in the modern game, but something I have no focus on whatsoever.”
While Rodgers has made his public stance clear, privately he is thought to be open to the switch. Until recently the Northern Irishman was not convinced that United's interest was anything other than fleeting, but third parties have convinced him that it is genuine and he would not turn down an approach should it arrive.
Later in his press conference, Rodgers reaffirmed his public commitment to Leicester, adding: “We’ve not been as consistent as what we have been. We can have a period of time now where we can get to work.
"My own commitment, I’ve got a huge respect for Khun Top and the protection of his legacy. My relationship with him, Susan Whelan and Jon Rudkin, we’re together and we’re looking to push on.
"I feel I’m in the right place. I work with a calibre of players we’re trying to maximise their potential. That’s why I’m so happy here.”
Source : 90min