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Football

28th Jun 2018

Jose Mourinho has identified Paul Pogba’s perfect midfield partner but a deal looks unlikely

Ed Woodward has his work cut out for him

Darragh Murphy

Jose Mourinho has provided Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward with a list of his summer targets.

The Times reports that the United boss has prioritised the signing of a centre-half and a left-back ahead of the new season, with Spurs’ Toby Alderweireld and Juventus’ Alex Sandro believed to be the ideal candidates in Mourinho’s mind.

However, reports in Spain claim that a meeting between Mourinho and Woodward this week saw the United manager also request the acquisition of a top central midfielder to partner Paul Pogba.

Following Michael Carrick’s retirement, Mourinho has already brought in Brazilian midfielder Fred but he is eager to bolster his midfield even further.

AS claims that Mourinho has ambitiously identified Toni Kroos as his dream signing this summer as he believes the Real Madrid playmaker is the perfect player to bring out the best in Pogba.

Kroos is already on his way home from Russia after defending champions Germany finished rock bottom of their World Cup group. While the national team has been widely criticised for their performances throughout the tournament, Kroos is one who can hold his head up high, having scored a stunning winner against Sweden at the weekend.

It remains unlikely that United will be able to bring Kroos on board, however, considering the fact 28-year-old has a £443 million release clause at the Bernabeu and he’s currently contracted to Los Blancos until 2022.

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