Manchester United have reportedly turned focus to Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone in their search for a new permanent manager.

The Red Devils sacked Jose Mourinho in December after making their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has steadied the ship over the past few weeks by winning five games from five in all competitions, but the club legend is not expected to stay on beyond the end of the campaign.

Instead, United chiefs are believed to have prioritised bringing in Mauricio Pochettino from top-flight rivals - and next opponents - Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs are refusing to let United talk to their in-demand manager, however, and The Mirror claims that the English giants will now switch attention to another name on their shortlist.

Atletico boss Simeone is said to have been sounded out over a summer move, with United keen to ascertain if the Argentine - under contract with Los Rojiblancos for another 18 months - is interested in the job.

Since taking charge of Atleti in 2011, Simeone has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and two Europa League crowns, as well as reaching a couple of Champions League finals.