Jose Mourinho in talks with Manchester United as Van Gaal set for sack

Manchester United representatives have spoken to the former Chelsea Jose Mourinho's camp about the possibility of becoming the club's next manager, sources from both sides have told ESPN FC, with current boss Louis van Gaal on the verge of the sack.

According to the publication, the 52-year-old Portuguese coach's representatives approached United within 24 hours of the losing his job at Chelsea on Thursday December 17, with that contact continuing over the weekend.

Sources indicated to ESPN FC that Mourinho is fully ready and willing to take the role and said privately this week that it would be impossible to turn down and that United are ''very, very tempted'' by the prospect.

His appointment at Old Trafford is still a long way from certain, however.