‘Mourinho wants me’ – Man United given major transfer boost after £22m Brazilian star confirms interest

Manchester United were given a major transfer boost in their pursuit of Anderson Talisca after he confirmed interest from Jose Mourinho.

The Besiktas star attacking midfielder revealed that Mourinho has wanted him for a long time.

See More: 3 reasons £22m Talisca would be a success at Manchester United

Talisca was asked about interest from United in a recent interview with Brazilian outlet Globoesport: “That is a question I can not give an answer to just yet.

“I cannot deny there is interest but what happens next depends on Benfica and my representatives. 

“There will be news on this soon. 

“Look every player dreams of playing under him [Jose Mourinho].

“Mourinho wants me, he has wanted me for a long time and I am an admirer of his work.

“I had a good season so we will see what happens.” 

The 23-year-old spent the season on loan at Besiktas from Benfica where he enjoyed a successful campaign.

Talisca scored 17 times and provided six assists across all competitions.

Turkish league champions president Fikret Orman claims that Talisca has agreed to extend his loan stay by an additional season.

A Bola report that Besiktas will pay a £2.17m million [€2.5m] fee for the temporary move.

Per-the-source, the Black Eagles will have paid a total of £4.34 million [€5m] over the course of the two-year loan.

Talisca does however, have a £22 million [€25m] release clause.

The powerful attacking midfielder and Mourinho share the same agent in Jorge Mendes.

Talisca does have a point regarding interest from Mourinho. The United boss has been keen on the powerful attacking midfielder since his time at Chelsea.

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster TVI24 [via Daily Mail] in 2014, Mourinho said: “I think Benfica hired well. They say Talisca is unknown, but he is only so unknown because he’s only not playing in England because he doesn’t have a work permit. If he had one, he would be here!.”

Talisca currently not be eligible for a work permit unless the FA making an exception on the basis of his being an ‘exceptional talent’ – as was done when Arsenal signed Gabriel from Villarreal.