Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has reportedly identified Paul Mitchell as his top choice to take over as director of football.
The Old Trafford hierarchy are looking to create the new position, tasked with overlooking all transfer activity, before the summer window.
According to The Mirror, Woodward wants the role to be fulfilled before United commit to making any more signings.
Bringing in a director of football is said to have been made a priority since Jose Mourinho's departure, with United keen for some long-term stability.
Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici are believed to have been targets for the Red Devils, but Marotta switched to Serie A rivals Inter Milan earlier in the season and Paratici wants to stay at Juventus.
The report suggests that Mitchell, who spent time at Leicester City before moving to current employers RB Leipzig, is therefore the frontrunner.
Mitchell was a defensive midfielder during his playing days, representing the likes of Wigan Athletic and MK Dons prior to his retirement in 2008 and his subsequent move into the boardroom.