Manchester United Transfer News: Joao Mario Responds to Jose Mourinho Rumours

Manchester United target Joao Mario has refused to deny reports he personally spoke to newly confirmed Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho amid rumours he could make a £45 million move to Old Trafford this summer.

Reports recently surfaced claiming Mourinho chatted with the Sporting Lisbon winger on the phone, per Sport Witness, but Mario insisted his focus is with Portugal's national team (h/t Daily Star's Jonathan Green):

"

The only thing that interests me and worries me now regarding my future is the challenge we'll play.

I’m very focused... so I won't talk about it. I'm placed in a group, my priority is to be at my best level in the Euros.

Right now I feel calm, I feel good. It is the first time I play in the Euros, I am focused on this, if I were to think about it [transfer interest], I could not concentrate.

"

The 23-year-old's response to recent speculation has been a mature one, and it appears Mario is aware of the fact an impressive performance at Euro 2016 could net him even greater attention this summer.

BBC Sport presenter Richard Askam reported his €60 million (£45.8 million) release clause could be a sticking point in any potential move to England's top flight, however:

United's summer may take on a more strategic, focused direction after the club confirmed Mourinho as its new manager on Friday following Louis van Gaal's sacking on Monday:

Portuguese newspaper A Bola previously reported Chelsea could offer great competition in the hunt for Mario, though United may be the more tantalising option after finishing fifth in the Premier League (h/t Metro's Mark Brus).

Brus mentioned the fact Mario's agent, Kia Joorabchian, could play a major role in where the player ends up, having recently left the representation of Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, per blogger Liam Canning:

Mario has earned eight caps for Portugal since making his debut for the national team in 2014, and his current contract with the Lions isn't set to expire for another four years.

That means Sporting are under no pressure to cash in and turn a profit on their academy product, who moved to the club from FC Porto as a youth in 2004.

PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/Getty Images

Mario proved himself to be an extremely malleable character in the 2015-16 campaign, playing in central midfield, defensive midfield and largely on the wing for Sporting as they finished as runners-up in the Primeira Liga.

That versatility could well be a trait Mourinho will hope to employ at Old Trafford, but his substantial release clause may pose an obstacle for any Premier League suitors.