Manchester United Transfer News: Willian Targeted in Latest Summer Rumours

Chelsea forward Willian will reportedly be a key summer transfer target for Manchester United, as well as Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld. 

According to Rob Dawson of ESPN FC, Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho wants both players as part of a summer overhaul in defence and attack.

Dawson said Willian has been on Mourinho's radar since last summer, although the Blues may be unwilling to sell the Brazilian to United after losing Nemanja Matic to the Old Trafford club before this past season.

The Red Devils boss is also said to have changed his stance on whether or not another attacking player is needed after signing Alexis Sanchez in January.

"Since the Chile forward's arrival, Mourinho has been adamant he will not look to sign another attacker before next season," said Dawson. "But doubts about the future of Anthony Martial, who is wanted by Juventus after finding first-team opportunities limited by increased competition from Sanchez, has led to United revisiting the possibility of signing Willian."

Ahead of the recent showdown with Liverpool, WhoScored.com provided the numbers behind what has been an impressive campaign for the Brazilian:

Mourinho is also said to be ready to strengthen his options at the back.

According to the report, Spurs have come to accept that Alderweireld will leave the club this summer having fallen behind Davinson Sanchez in the pecking order. The Belgium international has also decided against signing a contract extension, meaning Tottenham are ready to cash in.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Alderweireld only made 14 Premier League starts in 2017-18, but at his best he is among the best defenders in the division. At 29, he does have some years left at the top as a centre-back, but the former Atletico Madrid man has had his injury troubles.

As noted by Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard, it appeared as though Spurs fans were saying their farewells to the player late in the season:

According to Dawson, Mourinho was a big admirer of Willian during their time together at Stamford Bridge. You can see why.

Not only is the 29-year-old thrilling on the ball, he is one of the hardest working players around. On the right-hand side of the United team he would offer a different alternative to Jesse Lingard, giving United an effervescent presence on the flank.

The concerns with Willian and Alderweireld will come in the form of their ages. Neither player is past it, but at 29 they're in or coming towards the end of their peak years. The Red Devils would have to spend a lot of money to bring in either player too.