Ben Guest
Manchester United will make a late move to sign long-term target Willian before Thurdsay’s transfer deadline according to reports today.
Manchester United have long been linked with a move for the Brazilian, but his impressive performances for Chelsea last season has seen interest in the winger intensify.
Jose Mourinho has long been a fan of the 29-year-old with whom he worked with during his time at Stamford Bridge, with Willian being one of the only players not to down tools in the Portuguese’s fated final season at the club.
According to the Sunday Mirror, Mourinho is plotting to raid his former club for his services, and will offer the Blues the opportunity to swap him for United’s wantaway winger, Anthony Martial.
Mourinho is claimed to have lost patience with the French forward, who despite showing moments of brilliance, has a tendency to go missing for the Red Devils.
The latest source of frustration for Mourinho was Martial’s decision to leave United’s pre-season Training camp in the USA to attend the birth of his second child, before failing to return, although the winger later confirmed that it was due to complications with the birth.
Both players are valued at £75million – and both want to leave their clubs for a fresh challenge, meaning United will be hopeful to secure their second straight swap deal in six months, having allowed Henrikh Mkhitaryan join Arsenal in exchange for Alexis Sanchez.
Willian has attracted the attentions of Real Madrid and Barcelona this summer, with the Catalan club having three bids rejected, before turning their attentions to Bordeaux’s Malcom.
Martial meanwhile is also wanted by Tottenham.