Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho wants Ante Rebic as Willian alternative as club remain open to Gareth Bale

Mourinho is desperate to bring in a winger, but Ivan Perisic's fee has rocketed further after a stunning World Cup

Jose Mourinho is now considering alternatives to Willian, with Croatia’s World Cup star Ante Rebic the latest name to attract the Manchester United manager’s attention.

The Portuguese is determined to bring in the type of wide player he feels is essential to his system this summer and, although Willian has long been his primary target from their time together at Chelsea, the difficulty of a deal has led to United looking at other targets.

It’s just that, continuing what has already been a frustrating summer, there are similar complications with other options.

Ivan Perisic was the winger he wanted to bring in last year, but United couldn’t strike a deal with Internazionale and although Mourinho would greatly like the Croatian again, his brilliant performances at the World Cup have seen his price explode.

The club are naturally reluctant to pay a fee of what would be around £80m for a player set to turn 30 this season.

Rebic had a good World Cup with runners-up Croatia (EPA)

There isn’t the same reticence about Gareth Bale - who turned 29 last week - due to his “star” status and commercial value, but that is seen by many within United as more of an Ed Woodward target than a Mourinho one.

While the Portuguese would of course find great use for the Welsh star, he would still want a focus on other options. This is all also why United are looking at Perisic’s international teammate Rebic, who had a similar impact at the World Cup.

Any pursuit would not quite be as complicated as other targets, since there is now a feeling the 24-year-old could do with a step-up from Eintracht Frankfurt, though United could face competition from Bayern Munich were they to eventually make a move.