Jose Mourinho drops subtle hint over Manchester United transfer move for Willian

Jose Mourinho has hailed Willian as a player of outstanding quality amid speculation he is plotting a move for the Chelsea winger.

The Brazil international has struggled to win over his current manager Antonio Conte and admitted he held talks with Mourinho last summer over a move to Old Trafford.

Willian has been in superb form since the turn of the year but has rarely seen eye-to-eye with Conte and was seen storming down the tunnel when he was substituted during last months FA Cup semi final win over Southampton.

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Analysing the five-times champions chances of winning the World Cup this summer, Mourinho told ESPN Brazil: I like very much the basic structure of Brasil, its tactical and mentality.

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There is a mixture between Brazilian natural talent, with a serious approach, physical, tactical.

It is a team capable of defending well, allowing few goals, with a good support base.

And then up front with Willian, Neymar, Coutinho and Jesus … All players with outstanding qualities.

Only last month, Mourinho was quoted as saying he would be keen to add a Brazilian player to his squad over amid reports of both Willian and Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred being targeted.

I worked with Brazilian players in every team I coached, and I enjoyed a lot, he said.

Who knows we can have a Brazilian in the squad next year.

Reports last weekend claimed United were considering a swap deal with Chelsea which would see Willian reunited with Mourinho and Anthony Martial moving in the opposite direction.

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