Manchester United transfer news: Renato Sanches, John Stones and Zlatan Ibrahimovic bids sanctioned by Jose Mourinho

MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to make a triple transfer gift to welcome Jose Mourinho as their new manager.

Benfica star Renato Sanches and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are in the club’s sights as the Old Trafford board attempts to give Mourinho a squad ready to challenge for the Premier League title.

And Mourinho has also indicated Everton defender John Stones is the third player he wants as the central part of his rebuilding plans when he takes over from Louis van Gaal.

The Special One has already started planning for next season in the expectation he will be taking control of United this summer.

Highly-rated Benfica star Sanches is high on his list, with United leading a host of top European clubs in the race for the £40million rated midfielder.

And a free transfer deal for Ibrahimovic is on the cards with the Paris Saint Germain striker keen to link up again with Mourinho after the pair grew close during their time together at Inter.

The move for England defender Stones will be the hardest of the three to pull off, with Everton rejecting three bids from Chelsea for him last summer.

Mourinho remains convinced the 21-year-old is the man to build his United defence around despite his inconsistent form at Goodison Park this season.

United would need to at least match the £50m Chelsea offered last summer for Stones but there is a belief Everton would be more inclined to do business this year.