Manchester United set to battle Liverpool for highly-rated Napoli midfielder

Jose Mourinho has made it clear already: Manchester United won't be moving for any attacking players in summer.

He is, however, expected to be in the hunt for defensive and midfield reinforcements. Reports have already linked the United boss (and several other Premier League managers) with a move for Napoli midfielder, Jorginho. With Michael Carrick set to retire at the end of the season and Marouane Fellaini's Old Trafford future looking increasingly uncertain, the 26-year-old - a Brazilian-born Italian international - is thought to be a serious target for Mourinho. Now, an exclusive report in the Star - make of that what you will - claims United are hoping to beat bitter rivals Liverpool to the player's signature. Jürgen Klopp is said to have believed he was in pole position to sign Jorginho, who he has identified as a replacement for the departing Emre Can. The German international is thought to have agreed personal terms with Juventus ahead of a summer move to Turin. Mourinho is said to want Jorginho, who has played a key role in Napoli's push for the Serie A title this season, to play alongside Nemanja Matic in his midfield. This would allow Paul Pogba greater freedom to influence the game further up the field. This report follows claims last week that United had prioritised a move for Real Madrid's Toni Kroos.