Manchester United's newly appointed boss Jose Mourinho has identified his former player Nemanja Matic as a top transfer target. Meanwhile, reports coming out of the Old Trafford club suggest that the Portuguese coach is happy with Italian full-back Matteo Darmian going in the other direction, according to
the Mirror.
Mourinho, who has been out of work since Matic's current club Chelsea sacked the 53-year-old late last year, has drawn up a list of players he wants brought to Manchester ahead of the 2016-17 season.
A list in which Matic features near the top, Mourinho has a clear view on adding a more physical presence to the Premier League giants. The pursuit of the Serbian follows on from the recent signing of highly rated Villarreal defender Eric Bailly.
Mourinho has identified Italian defender Matteo Darmian as a potential key piece in negotiations due to his close affiliation with incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. Darmian, who struggled in his debut season at Old Trafford following a £12m move from Torino, is currently on international duty at Euro 2016, playing under Conte.
The Azzuri boss is a great admirer of the 26-year-old's ability, and is interested in bringing the United defender with him to Stamford Bridge following the conclusion of this summer's tournament in France.
The report also claims that Mourinho has undertaken a full analysis of the United playing squad and has given assurances to players that they are in his plans for the coming season.
Another recent acquisition, French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin could also be shown the exit door. The former Saints star may find himself squeezed out should Matic link up once more with his old boss. Schneiderlin will not find himself short of suitors, however, with new Everton manager Ronald Koeman interested in a reunion with his former player.
Fan favourite Daley Blind is another name who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, following Mourinho's decision to add power to his playing squad. Arsenal have appeared as a possible destination for the Dutchman following reports claiming that the incoming United boss sees Blind, who operated largely as a centre back last season, as too small.
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