Manchester United want Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Raphael Varane and Lassana Diarra for Jose Mourinho

In the Mirror, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Raphael Varane could be on their way from Real Madrid to join Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. I've just checked and Jorge Mendes isn't their agent, so it's hard to know if that's right or not.

Louis van Gaal says he can't imagine that Mourinho has spoken to Manchester United, which is notably different from saying that he doesn't believe that his representatives have spoken to the club. They very obviously has, and we all know what's going on.

Ed Woodward can't resist it. He absolutely loves boasting about spending, even if he can't spend it wisely and can't actually sign the players he promises his managers (Gareth Bale, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Sergio Ramos, for example). That's in the Telegraph.

In the Manchester Evening News, there's a story that United are after Lassana Diarra. He was managed by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Real Madrid, and would be a suitable replacement for Marouane Fellaini, as well as being able to play in defence when required. Marseille have been rubbish, so he'd probably want to move.

And on ESPNFC, Andy Mitten has written about the uncertain future at Manchester United, and is worth your time.