Manchester United next manager: Jose Mourinho writes up transfer wishlist

Jose Mourinho has already made transfer plans for Manchester United, according to reports. The 53-year-old Portuguese has been hotly tipped to succeed Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford this summer, and he is understood to have drawn up a list of potential transfer targets.

Van Gaal's position at United has come under threat following a string of disappointing performances and results. Mourinho – his one-time assistant – remains confident he will replace the Dutchman over the coming months.

It was recently reported that Van Gaal, who joined the club in 2014, feels he will remain in charge of United beyond the end of the current campaign. But according to ESPN, that perception is centred on the internal politics of the Premier League club, who have not shared their long-term plans with the coach.

Members of the United hierarchy remain reluctant to appoint Mourinho due to his combative reputation, but his representatives have reportedly held extensive talks with the club about the position. What's more, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has a close relationship with Jorge Mendes, the coach's agent.

Mourinho reportedly wants the Old Trafford club to sign as many as five new players in the summer, including Harry Kane and John Stones. He is also said to have approved the idea of signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain.