Manchester United chief Ed Woodward is locked in talks with Jose Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes.
The Manchester Evening News says Woodward was taken aback by the news that Pep Guardiola has agreed to join City on a three-year deal and United have held talks with Mourinho, who they believe is the only man who can go toe-to-toe with City's incoming manager.
Woodward tightened United's links with Mourinho's agent, GestiFute head Mendes, last season with the record signing of the super-agent's clients Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao's loan before David de Gea, also represented by Mendes, signed a new contract in September.
Woodward and Mendes' relationship is so cordial that Woodward arranged for Mendes' daughter to do work experience at Old Trafford two years ago.
Spanish media sources have reported that Mourinho has already signed a pre-contract with United.