Man Utd make Brendan Rodgers top choice to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and can ‘land him thanks to clause in contract’

MANCHESTER UNITED have made Brendan Rodgers their top target to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it's been claimed.

The Norwegian's long-term future at Old Trafford is still in major doubt, despite the brass' seemingly unwavering faith in him.

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But embarrassing defeats to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City have reportedly prompted the Red Devils to identify potential replacements for their former striker.

And the claims club chiefs are keen on Leicester City boss Rodgers taking charge at Old Trafford.

The report adds that they're also confident of acquiring his services.

It's claimed a release clause in Rodgers' contract - which permits him to leave for a Champions League club - has given United belief a deal can be struck.

There is also a sense Rodgers would find it impossible to turn down an offer if Manchester United came calling.

Rodgers, 48, is happy at the King Power Stadium and has repeatedly brushed off reports of him taking the hot seat at the Theatre of Dreams.

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The former Liverpool boss recently said: "I don't even think about it - and that's the brutal honesty.

“I’m sure the supporters are probably tired of it.

"At Leicester, there is always a link.

"My focus is always here with Leicester and developing the football club on to that next level, where you're competing for European football and challenging for honours.

"Everyone here at the club, from the chief executive to the director of football - staff, players - we're all very much on the same path, same vision."

Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman recently questioned the idea of appointing Rodgers, claiming his Anfield links would make it impossible for Rodgers to join Manchester United.

SOLSKJAER GOING NOWHERE

Any move for the Norther Irishman would mean first sacking Solskjaer, with the under-fire boss having no plan to walk away from his dream job and has urged his critics to keep on firing.

He said: “Criticism can make you doubt yourself or you can stand up for yourself and I’ve always enjoyed criticism, keep that coming, it’s fine.

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“Journalists, pundits, experts, we’ve all got different jobs and it’s their job to give their opinion.

"I’m not here to fight with them, I don’t need a spat with anyone"

United will be back in action a week on Saturday, travelling to Vicarage Road to take on Watford.

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Leicester, meanwhile, will welcome title-chasing Chelsea to the King Power.

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