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Manchester United transfer news: Breel Embolo refuses to deny Jose Mourinho phone call begging him to move to Old Trafford

Swiss striker was one of Europe's most sought-after stars before completing £25.5m Schalke move despite United interest

BREEL EMBOLO has refused to deny claims he took a call from Jose Mourinho begging him to join Manchester United last summer.

The young striker was one of Europe’s most sought-after players six months ago and eventually agreed a stunning £25.5million deal to join Schalke from Basel.

 Breel Embolo has refused to deny he spoke to Jose Mourinho last summer
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Breel Embolo has refused to deny he spoke to Jose Mourinho last summerCredit: EPA

Embolo hasn’t exactly made a flying start to life at the Veltins Arena, scoring just three goals in 10 appearances so far this season.


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The 19-year-old picked up a serious ankle injury in October and is expected to miss the rest of the Bundesliga campaign.

But Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel previously claimed Mourinho was ‘desperate’ to bring Embolo to Old Trafford after taking over from Louis van Gaal.

 Man Utd were strongly linked with the striker until he moved to Schalke
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Man Utd were strongly linked with the striker until he moved to SchalkeCredit: Getty Images
 Schalke director Christian Heidel claims Jose Mourinho was desperate to sign Embolo
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Schalke director Christian Heidel claims Jose Mourinho was desperate to sign EmboloCredit: Reuters

The Special One eventually signed the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, but Embolo is keeping things close to his chest regarding United’s potential interest.

He said: “Did [Mourinho] call? I don’t talk about other clubs. I’m glad I’m with Schalke. I decided on Schalke, that’s all that matters for me.”


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 The Swiss international has scored three goals for his new club this season
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The Swiss international has scored three goals for his new club this seasonCredit: Getty Images
 Embolo picked up an ankle injury in October and is expected to miss the rest of the season
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Embolo picked up an ankle injury in October and is expected to miss the rest of the seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press

“It was very important to me to make the right move. I wondered what would be the best for me and the result was that Schalke was the perfect club.”

Embolo was also believed to have an offer from high-flying RB Leipzig last summer and must now be wondering if he made the right choice, with the Bundesliga’s surprise package a full 18 points ahead of Schalke in the table.

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