However, reports from Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias now claim he has put pen to paper on a deal to become United boss, which will see under-fire Van Gaal depart.
Sanches, 18, has been a leading target for United since the winter window and is widely regarded as one of Europe's brightest talents.
While Silva, 22, is also being tracked as a possible signing for Mourinho despite mounting interest from Liverpool.
Van Gaal, 64, has struggled to turn United's fortunes around and has come under criticism from players and fans for failing to meet the title-winning expectations associated with the club.
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