Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to try and secure a reunion with Chelsea star Willian at Old Trafford in January.
The Brazilian international was a key figure for the former Chelsea boss during his second spell at Stamford Bridge, even during last season prior to his exit after a poor start to the campaign.
However, with the likes of Victor Moses and Pedro making an impression on Antonio Conte in the Italian’s preferred 3-4-3 system, Willian has dropped out of favour and in turn it has led to suggestions that he could be available in January.
According to The Daily Star, the £40m-rated attacking star is now on Mourinho’s radar as his struggles in west London continue.
It remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea are willing to hand over a quality player to a direct rival, but as noted by the Star, that didn’t stand in the way of Juan Mata’s exit two years ago.
Nevertheless, perhaps the biggest obstacle is whether or not Mourinho and United really need another attacking player given the options at his disposal already.
With the likes of Jesse Lingard, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial all fighting for the same spots, adding Willian to the mix would be a questionable move.
Not to mention Memphis Depay and Ashley Young, that doesn’t seem like an area that should be a priority for Mourinho and so it does raise doubts over the report.
On the Brazilian international’s part though, he’ll be desperate to get back to playing regular first-team football, and if Conte can’t offer him assurances of that at Chelsea, then perhaps a move elsewhere makes sense for both parties.
Willian hasn’t been included in the squad for the last two games, and played a combined 24 minutes in the previous two Premier League outings.