The news that Jose Mourinho has basically agreed to become Manchester United manager went mainstream on Thursday when numerous reports regarding the move splashed themselves across the media.
One intriguing report from The Sun claimed that one of the Special One's first acts as Red Devils manager will be to launch a bid for Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi. The Argentine has been thoroughly impressive for Inter Milan over the last two seasons and has, by all accounts, got an avid fan in Mourinho.
The report went as far to say that Mourinho had already told Ed Woodward that he wanted Icardi at Old Trafford next season, supposedly in hope that the United chief would set the wheels in motion.
However, it took less than a day for this claim to unfold. Icardi, 22, was asked about the reported interest from both United and Mourinho and had an unequivocal response for the reporter.
According to the striker, who has 10 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this season, regardless of who is in charge of the Premier League club next season, he won't be swapping the San Siro for Old Trafford.
Not interested
"Manchester United? I heard something about their interest, but I want to stay with Inter," Icardi told Corriere dello Sport.
"Even if United sign Jose Mourinho, my answer is always the same: I'm staying here. If they come looking, they won't be the first nor the last club I may turn down. I'm happy in Milan and I don't mean to leave. The club has a great project and is investing heavily to get winning again. I want to help."
The wishlist
Mourinho is likely to have plenty of demands for Woodward if he does indeed succeed Louis van Gaal at the end of the season. Manchester United's squad is patchy, unbalanced and evidently unable to challenge for major honours.
The former Chelsea boss would back himself to get more out of players like Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin, but will surely want to spend significant sums in the transfer market to transform the team into one with his trademark.
GiveMeSport brought you a potential XI for Mourinho's Manchester United next season, which included no less than five signings including Leicester star Riyad Mahrez and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann.
And here is that team:
Which players should Jose Mourinho sign for Manchester United? Have your say by leaving a comment below.
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