Julen Lopetegui in danger of losing Sevilla job after making Man Utd shortlist

Sevilla are considering parting ways with boss Julen Lopetegui – who was on the shortlist for the Manchester United coaching job – at the end of the current campaign.

Lopetegui signed a contract extension earlier this season through to the summer of 2024 and has delivered tangible successes on the pitch. He is rated highly within the game and made the shortlist of four candidates to take the United post, which eventually went to Ajax coach Erik ten Hag.

In March, the Spaniard ruled himself out of the running for the Old Trafford post in what appeared to be a show of long-term commitment to Sevilla. However, it is now unclear if the club will retain the coach’s services after this season following a prolonged slump in form.

In his debut season at the Andalusian club, the former Spain boss delivered the Europa League title and is on the brink of guiding his side to the Champions League for the third successive campaign. However, results and performances in the second half of this season have caused concern.

At the halfway point of La Liga, Sevilla were second in the standings and within touching distance of La Liga leaders Real Madrid. There was a genuine belief that the club could win just their second ever league title and their first since 1946, with January seeing the arrivals of Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona from Porto and forward Anthony Martial on loan from Manchester United.

However, Sevilla have won just four of their 16 La Liga matches since January – seeing the side fall from a title challenge to scrapping for a top four place, which they need just one point from their final two matches to clinch for Champions League qualification. They also crashed out of the Europa League Round of 16 stage against West