Jose Mourinho is understood to be keen to bring in Atletico Madrid’s sporting director Andrea Berta if he becomes Manchester United manager at the end of this season.

Berta, an Italian, has been a key figure under Atletico’s rise under coach Diego Simeone and has a good working relationship with Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

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It remains to be seen, of course, whether United turn to Mourinho, who is desperate to take over at Old Trafford, if Louis Van Gaal is not allowed to go into the final year of his contract at the club.