United Airlines' chief executive Glenn Tilton has offered to make US Airways CEO Doug Parker a top candidate to succeed him if the airlines agree to merge, the Financial Times said on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Parker does not have any firm contracts on succession but Tilton offered him a senior operating role and to put him on the potential chief executive candidates list if he meets certain performance goals, the report said.

The report added that it was unclear if Parker is willing to be Tilton's apprentice.

United's board is to meet on Thursday to hear about its strategic options from officials, including the US Airways merger and a marketing alliance with Continental Airlines, the FT said.