A report in Spain has claimed that Jose Mourinho has agreed a deal to be the new manager of Manchester United.

The 52-year-old has been out of work since late last week when he was sacked by Chelsea following a run of form that had left the champions just one point above the relegation zone.

However, according to news outlet Fichajes, the Portuguese boss could be back in employment soon, replacing the supposedly under-pressure Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Reports overnight claimed that Van Gaal has been given two games - Stoke City on Boxing Day and Chelsea two days later - to save his job.

His United side, who are without a win in their last six outings, have slipped to fifth in the Premier League, as well as having also exited the Champions League and the League Cup.

While Fichajes have not pinpointed a date for Mourinho's appointment, they have claimed that a five-year contract has been successfully negotiated.

Over the weekend Mourinho released a statement in which he expressed his desire to return to management promptly, with the Premier League believed to be his preferred destination.