Manchester United Transfer News: Jose Mourinho Reserves Rafa Silva Amid Rumours

Jose Mourinho has reportedly "reserved" a transfer to sign Sporting Braga winger Rafa Silva if he takes over from Louis van Gaal at the Manchester United helm this summer.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the Red Devils will merely need to meet the player's £15.5 million release clause in order to bring him to Old Trafford should Mourinho take his place at the club's helm (h/t Metro's Tom Olver).

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United are alleged to have scouted Silva on numerous occasions so far this season, and former Porto boss Mourinho may understandably have some inside knowledge on his compatriot.

Silva comes highly rated, too, after Metro's Portuguese football expert, Jan Hagen, reported Primeira Liga titans Porto launched a late move for his services during the January transfer window:

The wide talent has scored six goals and made seven assists in 26 starts for Braga this season, helping his side climb to fourth in the Portuguese top flight and make it to the Europa League's round of 32.

Manchester United are also in the Europa League knockout stages and could yet get a hands-on look at the player, where he might be able to weigh up the quality of his own attackers against those of the club's reported target.

Summer signing Memphis Depay has struggled since moving to England, while Adnan Januzaj was recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund, and Jesse Lingard is only just back from a spell on the sidelines.

Juan Mata has been utilised out of position as one of United's starting wingers for the majority of this term, but Van Gaal has spoken of his desire to see more speed out wide, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

If speed is what United are seeking, dribbling maestro Silva could be considered a desirable asset, often using his advantage in pace to get to the byline before he gets a sight in front of goal.

The youngster is also a fully fledged Portugal international, having made five appearances for the national team since earning his first cap in 2014, travelling with the squad to the 2014 World Cup.

Mourinho's potential appointment at Old Trafford is far from sealed, but Olver's report indicated negotiations are already underway for the tactician to snag his man should he arrive at the Theatre of Dreams.

Thanks to the modest value of his release clause, Silva could prove to be a worthwhile purchase for any club that seals his signature, and United could have an ace up their sleeve in the shape of Mourinho.