Report: Jose Mourinho Tells Manchester United He Wants Four Players in January

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward he wants four new signings in January as he attempts to revive the fortunes at Old Trafford.

Serbia international Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Croatia star Ivan Perisic top the list, with defender Nikola Milenkovic and winger Ante Rebic also desired.

Harry Slavin for Mail Online reported Mourinho wants to strengthen his squad in the winter, but Woodward and the United board could veto large midseason spending on transfers.

Inter Milan's Perisic remains a long-term target of the Special One, but the Portuguese wants to add the rising star of Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio as soon as possible.

Andre Penner/Associated Press

The Spanish-born midfielder has developed into one of Serie A's most wanted talents, and United would be wise to move quickly to beat rival clubs to his signature.

The 23-year-old is the complete central midfielder and could be viewed as a replacement—or long-term partner—for Paul Pogba.

Mike McGrath of The Sun reported United could be prepared to smash the club record they paid for Pogba by offering in excess of £89 million for Milinkovic-Savic.

The player is represented by former Chelsea forward Mateja Kezman, and his existing relationship with Mourinho could be vital in brokering a deal.

Mourinho was present to watch the midfielder feature for his country during the international break, and Milinkovic-Savic commented he was happy the coach was in attendance, per MailOnline Sport:

Serbian defender Milenkovic is also on Mourinho's list, and the defender has impressed during his spell with Fiorentina. The centre-back is a towering presence and, at 21, has plenty of development left in him.

La Nazione (h/t Metro) reported United have sanctioned a £53 million offer for Milenkovic's services. The Red Devils have never replaced Nemanja Vidic at the heart of their defence, and the centre-back could be viewed as the perfect capture for Mourinho.

Perisic and Rebic have seen their stock rise since Croatia's immense display at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the attackers would bring much-needed width to United's starting XI.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Mourinho wasn't backed in the summer, with the additions of Fred and Diogo Dalot insufficient for the needs of the squad.

Milinkovic-Savic could swiftly become a star in the Premier League, and countryman Nemanja Matic would help guide the young player in his opening spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

Woodward must come up trumps for Mourinho in this transfer window; otherwise the supremo will once again be contributing to his manager's downfall.