Man United transfer news:Jose speaks on failed transfer, Chelsea player on radar

Jose Mourinho has revealed he attempted to sign Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia during his time at Real Madrid.

The Red Devils manager saw his move for Valencia immediately rebuffed, but even then knew the Ecuador international would make a 'phenomenal' right-back.

"I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid," Mourinho told MUTV.

"Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me: 'No chance'."

Express Sport understands Mourinho is keen on a reunion with Chelsea winger Willian at Old Trafford in January.

Mourinho is a huge fan of the 28-year-old Brazilian, having won the Premier League and League Cup together in Chelsea's 2014/15 campaign.

Willian has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge since Antonio Conte's switch to a 3-4-3 formation - and Mourinho is hoping to lure him to Old Trafford in a £25million deal.