Manchester United earmark Serie A star as top target

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has identified Napoli star Jorginho as a top midfield target this summer, reports The Independent.

Mourinho has made bolstering his midfield a top priority at the end of the season as United are facing the prospect of losing three players in that position.

Toni Kroos has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Michael Carrick but United accept the chances of prising the German away from Real Madrid are slim.

Instead, United look set to move for Jorginho at the end of the season as the Italy international has left a serious impression on Mourinho this term.

The 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders on the continent and United could face competition for his signature if he becomes available.

Mourinho wants someone that can take control of the play in the middle of the park to help ease the pressure on Paul Pogba, although there is now a chance the France international could be sold.

No player in Europe’s top five leagues averages more passes per game than Jorginho (97.4) this season.