Jose Mourinho identifies Real Madrid star as the ideal summer signing

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly urged the club's hierarchy to look into a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.

The Germany international was formerly a target for United back in the summer of 2013 but the failure to sort out a deal saw him join Los Blancos 12 months later.

According to The Independent, Mourinho is keen to recruit a pass master for his squad with Michael Carrick having announced his decision to retire during the off-season.

Kroos is obviously said to be the first-choice for the Portuguese tactician but he is understood to have a back-up option in hand in the form of Napoli's Jorginho.

Should neither player be available, United have the likes of Julian Weigl, Fred and Carlos Soler on their radar to strengthen their central midfield department.

Manchester United will seek to maintain their quest for silverware when they face-off against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday afternoon.