Ole Gunnar Solskjaer set for permanent Man Utd contract negotiations as interest cools in Mauricio Pochettino

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s agent is due to hold talks with Manchester United over a permanent contract for the interim manager.

Jim Solbakken is expected to sit down with Ed Woodward in the next two weeks as the club move closer to officially confirming the Norwegian’s appointment.

It is believed United have in recent days instructed intermediaries to cool advances towards other candidates.

Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri remained strongly in the frame to succeed Jose Mourinho, even after Solskjaer’s outstanding run as caretaker.

But they have been firmly pushed behind the 1999 Treble-winning hero as the overwhelming favourite for the job.

Notably United are still to make a definitive decision over what will be Woodward’s fourth permanent manager since taking control at Old Trafford.

But the decision to step back from initial advances to alternative candidates is evidence they have been convinced by Solskjaer’s credentials.

Pochettino has long-been executive vice chairman Woodward’s first choice, while Allegri - who has been holding off signing a new contract at Juventus - was also a leading figure in United’s thorough and extensive recruitment process.

But Solskjaer’s effect on the dressing room, supporter base and owners the Glazer family has put him on the brink of landing his dream job.

Even still, United have been careful not to rush into a decision and are still determined to give themselves room to manoeuvre if there is a dramatic downturn between now and the end of the season.

Back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Wolves have dented United’s bid for Champions League qualification and ended their hopes of winning the FA Cup.

But Solskjaer retains the backing of the players, with Paul Pogba the latest to urge the club to confirm his appointment.