Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho had a reason for enquiring about Chelsea star Willian
Manchester United are being linked with a summer swoop for Chelsea forward Willian.
The Brazil international played under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge earlier in his career and, with the Red Devils keen to challenge for the Premier League title, the Blues star is in their sights.
However, Italian newspaper Tuttosport say Manchester United had a cheeky reason for launching the enquiry.
It is understood Chelsea are among the clubs interested in luring Anthony Martial away from Old Trafford.
The France international has gone off the boil following Alexis Sanchez’s January arrival.
He was also benched for last night’s dour goalless draw with West Ham, and looks set to miss out on a place in Mourinho’s team for the FA Cup final later this month.
Yet Tuttosport say Mourinho only enquired about Willian to put Chelsea off the scent.
The United manager reportedly knew Chelsea would reject the proposal - meaning a move to Stamford Bridge for Martial now looks highly unlikely.
Meanwhile, Mourinho has already admitted Martial will face Watford on Sunday.
"Marcus and Anthony played against Brighton,” he said, speaking after last night’s game.
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Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho does not want Chelsea signing Anthony Martial
Chelsea's Willian scores phenomenal last minute goal
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“Today was for Alexis and Lingard and Sunday is a game for Martial and Rashford.
"I play some players that didn't play today,
“I play Romero, I play Daley Blind, I play Eric Bailly, I play Rashford, I play Martial, I play Mata."
Reports have also claimed United would prefer to sell Martial abroad.
Juventus appear in pole position to secure a deal but Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid have also been linked.