Antonio Conte has denied being in advanced negotiations with any club after reports linked him with Manchester United and Juventus.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the former Napoli manager also rejected reports that he had already made financial demands or requested full control at clubs interested in appointing him.

Conte did not rule out a future move. Instead, he said there were no negotiations at an advanced stage and that he would consider returning to management when the right opportunity arose.

Antonio Conte explains his position on a return to management

Conte issued his statement in Italian and English after reports about his potential return to management circulated in the Italian and British media.

"My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage," he said.

He also addressed claims that he had demanded a high salary and full control over recruitment, as well as reports that clubs had concerns about his strong personality. Conte described those accounts as unfounded, saying there was no concrete basis for such assessments.

He added that he would discuss terms if a concrete opportunity emerged. Until then, he said, claims about his demands and professional future remained speculation.

Conte has been without a club since leaving Napoli at the end of the 2025-26 season. Napoli confirmed on 4 June 2026 that they had agreed to part ways with him and his staff before their contracts expired.

He had led the club to the Serie A title in 2024-25, before Napoli finished second behind Inter Milan the following season.

Why Manchester United are linked with Antonio Conte

Speculation intensified after La Repubblica reported that Conte had spoken with Manchester United's board about potentially replacing Michael Carrick.

TEAMtalk reported that intermediaries working with Conte had renewed contact with Manchester United's hierarchy to express his interest in the position. The outlet also claimed that Conte was ready to take charge immediately.

That account does not establish that United made him an offer or entered advanced negotiations.

BBC Sport has reported that Conte is interested in the Manchester United job, but that no deal is close. The reports therefore suggest possible interest and reported contact, not a confirmed appointment or agreement.

United's 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como on 21 October has intensified scrutiny of Carrick. He apologised for the performance, while Conte's statement has left questions about his potential return to English football unanswered.

Why Juventus have also been linked with Antonio Conte

Conte has also been linked with Juventus, where he won three consecutive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014. However, reports linking him with a return to the club remain speculative, with Italian media discussing him as a possible candidate.

Juventus announced on 10 April 2026 that Luciano Spalletti had extended his contract until 30 June 2028. For now, Conte's return to management remains uncertain.