Jose Mourinho has signed deal to take over at Man Utd

Jose Mourinho has signed a pre-contract agreement to take over as Manchester United manager, according to a report in Spanish newspaper El Pais.

United manager Louis van Gaal has come under increased scrutiny in recent days after he oversaw a desperate Europa League exit at the hands of local rivals Liverpool and he looks increasingly likely to be ousted from his post in the coming weeks.

Now the stories linking Mourinho with a move to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford have inevitably risen to the surface again, with the latest report in the Spanish press claiming United would have to pay the former Chelsea boss huge sums of cash if he does not land the Old Trafford job ahead of next season after he signed a pre-contract deal.

According to Spanish newspaper, a source from his agent Jorge Mendes’ company Gestifute has now confirmed that Mourinho has already signed an agreement to move to Old Trafford, although United still reserve the right to change their mind.

“If United do not sign the final contract (with Mourinho) before May 1st, they must pay £5m," the source is quoted as suggesting.

"If by June 1st he’s still not signed, they shall pay another £10m.

"May is the key, because it’s the month in which the vast majority of the signings of players are closed and the plans formed.”

Real Madrid have also been in contact with Mourinho about a possible return to the Bernabeu this summer, but Manchester United remains his chosen destination.

Van Gaal's tenure as United boss seems certain to be terminated as soon as his team can no longer qualify for next season's Champions League or they are knocked out of the FA Cup.