Manchester United boss Mourinho has made Arsenal star Sanchez his No1 transfer target for January in a stunning twist.

Manchester City have been linked with the player since August but Pep Guardiola is now ready to turn his attention to alternative targets.

Alexis Sanchez, reports say, is now ready to join United instead where he is expected to become the highest-paid player in Premier League history on wages of £350,000 a week.

And the Manchester Evening News say Sanchez feels Mourinho really wants him at Old Trafford and, as a result, is ready to sacrifice a reunion with Guardiola.

News of United’s interest first came out last week.

The Red Devils have always been behind the likes of City and PSG in the race to secure the Arsenal player’s signature.

But the MEN say Mourinho’s influence is now likely to see the 29-year-old become United’s latest Galactico signing.

Sanchez is said to have been impressed at how the 54-year-old has risked a potential deal blowing up in his face.

United’s interest coming out means there is still a risk they may be left embarrassed should Sanchez stay at Arsenal or end up elsewhere.

Yet the Chile international is ready to join Mourinho given the Red Devils’ boldness and confidence in such a deal.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has been taken aback by United’s sudden interest in the Gunners forward.

“It's something that's come really late. Someone in Sanchez's camp has given Manchester United inkling that the door's open and it's not a done deal,” he said last night. 

“I thought it was a done deal to Manchester City, I think everybody did.

“I don't think anybody thought anything other than Alexis Sanchez would be playing for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but from what we hear he's close to signing for Manchester United. I still don't believe that because I just don't see the economics.

“I’m just looking at it economically. Manchester United have apparently offered £35m, £5m for an agent fee and £350,000 a week which comes in at just over £100m for Alexis Sanchez, who is 29 years old.

“City are apparently saying they won't pay more than £72m.

"Gone are the days where you can think a Bosman signing is going to cost you less than it would do if you were paying a fee to a club.”