Manchester United Transfer News: Jose Mourinho Talks Willian Rumours

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho doubts his side will be able to sign Willian this summer because of Chelsea's reluctance to sell him.

The Sun's Neil Custis reported earlier in April that United were eyeing the Brazil international as a potential replacement for Juan Mata, having attempted to sign him last season.

In an interview with ESPN Brasil, Mourinho doubted the Blues would allow such a move, however (h/t Metro):

"I think a team without a Brazilian isn't a team. I think their talent is fantastic and the creativity of the Brazilian player cannot be measured.

"I worked with Brazilian players in every team I coached, and I enjoyed a lot. Who knows, we can have a Brazilian in the squad next year.

"I don't believe it will be Willian, because Chelsea won't make it possible."

Willian has racked up 13 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season. It has been the most prolific campaign of the 29-year-old's career and the third season running in which he has reached double figures for goals.

Blues boss Antonio Conte has relied heavily on the playmaker this term, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

He's a reliable performer. The Brazil international is incisive in the final third—as evidenced by his goal contributions this season—and he would help out defensively thanks to his healthy work ethic too.

The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke and ESPN FC's Liam Twomey praised him when he laid on an assist in Chelsea's FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester City in March:

Mourinho is well aware of Willian's talents, having worked with him at Stamford Bridge during his second spell at Chelsea between 2013 and 2015.

The Blues allowed United to sign Nemanja Matic last summer, but having witnessed the Serb become an important player at Old Trafford while their own midfield reinforcements—Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater—struggled to make positive impacts, they may be less inclined to do business this year.