Manchester United would consider reforming ex-AC Milan transfer team Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara.

United are ready to appoint a first sporting director and are working from a shortlist of candidates.

The Telegraph says Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman, former Monaco chief Paul Mitchell, former AC Milan pair Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta, and Atalanta's Lee Congerton are all under consideration.

Mitchell is regarded as favourite for the job.

Maldini and Massara are free agents after being sacked by Milan's American owner Gerry Cardinale at the end of last season.