Jose Mourinho keen to make French striker one of his first Manchester United signings

Manchester United’s incoming manager Jose Mourinho wants to make Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema one of his first signings for the club, according to the Independent.

Louis van Gaal was sacked by the Red Devils on Monday after failing to help the club qualify for the Champions League, with Mourinho expected to be appointed as the Dutchman’s replacement at Old Trafford this week.

And the Portuguese boss has already identified French forward Benzema as one of his top targets this summer, as he looks to boost the attack of a team that scored just 49 Premier League goals in 38 matches this term, finishing fifth in the top flight standings.

Benzema, who won’t be part of the France squad for Euro 2016 after being placed under investigation over an attempt to blackmail team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, scored 79 goals in 150 appearances when he worked under Mourinho during the duo’s spell together at the Bernabeu from 2010-2013.