Darren Fletcher is Manchester United's preferred candidate to take over as their new technical director, according to a report.

The 35-year-old, who made more than 300 appearances for the Red Devils before leaving Old Trafford in January 2015, is one of a number of former United players to have been linked with the newly-created job.

With the ex-Scotland international's Stoke City contract due to expire in the next few weeks, Sky Sports News suggests that United want him to hang up his boots and help with their major rebuild project behind the scenes.

Fletcher is said to have already held talks with his former employers about a return this summer and he is now considered the leading choice to work alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar are both believed to have turned down the job offer.