'He is a phenomenal player' - Jose Mourinho hints at move for Alexis Sanchez

Reports emerged on Thursday that United were keen to enter the race for Sanchez and Press Association this evening reported that Manchester City are not prepared to pay the £35m asking price - leaving the door open for United to swoop.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Mourinho was keen not to give too much away but did suggest that United would do business in January if the right player were to become available.

The United boss then talked up Sanchez before adding that he "shouldn't say much more than this".

"I don't think it is ethical or correct to be speaking about players of other clubs," said Mourinho.

"If somebody speaks about one of my players, to say we are interested or not I wouldn't be very happy.

"Sanchez is an Arsenal player. I don't know but probably this weekend he is going to wear Arsenal colours. I don't think it is correct to say things about Alexis Sanchez.

At a general level, what I can say is that myself and the Manchester United board, we do not believe a lot in the January market. We don't believe in signing a player just to do something.

"What we believe is there are some players in the football world where, if you have a chance to sign them, whether it is in January, March or July, then you have to try.

"In relation to Sanchez all I can say, which everyone else says, is that he is a phenomenal player. I feel I shouldn't say much more than this."