Roberto De Zerbi says he will not sign a new contract at Brighton & Hove Albion as things stand with Manchester United considering an approach for the Italian.
However, his latest comments have opened the door for United with the Seagulls struggling to agree terms with their coach. Asked whether he would sign a new contract, De Zerbi replied: "At the moment, no. We didn't find the agreement. The contract is a part of the future. It's important for me, it's important for everyone but it's a small part, the big part is the plan. We have to speak with the club.
He added: "The future I want to keep my ambition, my motivation, I live for football 24 hours a day. I want to know what is the plan, what is the project, what is the future because if I don't feel comfortable, I don't feel the right motivation, I can't stay any longer." Chelsea paid Brighton more than £20m to prise away Graham Potter mid-season in 2022, a figure Untied would be reluctant to pay out for De Zerbi amid their FFP concerns.