Report: Manchester United has begun negotiations with Mourinho

Manchester United has reportedly been in talks with representatives of Jose Mourinho, as the club explores the possibility of appointing the ex-Chelsea boss as the successor of current gaffer Louis van Gaal.

No agreement has been made between the parties but, according to Dan Roan and Simon Stone of BBC Sport, negotiations are underway. They're discussing a contract that would begin at the end of this season, which would cut Van Gaal's tenure a year earlier than scheduled.

This apparent development follows reports that Mourinho believes he's set to take the helm at Old Trafford. It's a role he was initially interested in after leaving Real Madrid in 2013, and one he revisited days after his second stint with Chelsea was cut short, according to reports.

Related - Report: Jose Mourinho confident he'll manage Manchester United next season

Mourinho had a torrid time this term before being sacked by reigning Premier League champion Chelsea in December, with the team languishing in 15th place. He boasts quite the curriculum vitae, however, with major honours picked up in four different countries.

Van Gaal's accolades are similarly impressive, but the Dutchman has faced intense scrutiny for a brand of football that's been widely deemed dull and ultimately not good enough, as United sits five points adrift of the Champions League qualification places.

Sections of the Old Trafford faithful have also spoken, as red scarves are on sale outside the stadium displaying the face of the Portuguese.

In an interesting twist of the Premier League fixture list, Chelsea hosts Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a tie that's sure to be subject of intense media attention.