Manchester United transfer rumour: Jose Mourinho wants Red Devils to sign a creative player in January

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly informed his scouts to "find him a magician" as he looks to bring in a creative player to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are currently second in the table with 32 points after 14 games, eight points behind league leaders and local rivals, Manchester City. The Portuguese tactician believes the reason is lack of creativity in the team, according to The Sun.

Mourinho has issued an instruction to United's scouts around the globe to find a player — "a magician" — who can help him reduce the gap between the two Manchester clubs at the top of the table. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager wants to bring in that player after the end of this calendar year.

United signed Romelu Lukaku from Everton in the summer to lead their attack, while handing one-year contract to striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In addition to this, they also have the services of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, along with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.

The 20-time champions of England is still looking to bring in a creative player in January. Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. On 1 January, his release clause will be reduced to €100m (£88m, $119m).

Griezmann has publicly admitted a switch to Old Trafford is a "possibility," while still being linked with a move to Barcelona. However, United are aware that it will be difficult to land the France international in January.

Earlier reports suggested that Mourinho is looking to leave United for Paris Saint-Germain after the end of the 2017/18 season. However, IBTimes UK confirmed the current Red Devils manager will be in charge at the club for the next campaign.

The Manchester Evening News claims that Mourinho wants more backing from United in the transfer market as the Red Devils look to challenge in all competitions. It should be seen whether the Old Trafford club and their manager will be successful in signing "a magician" in January.