Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to beat Chelsea to the signing of Radja Nainggolan.
Chelsea have been haggling over a price with Roma for the Belgium midfielder for several weeks.
However, Le Soir says Chelsea now face competition from United for Nainggolan as Mourinho prepares to take charge.
And an approach from United sets up the prospect of a swap involving Marouane Fellaini.
The United powerhouse was in Rome last month sparking transfer rumours and is highly admired by sports chief Walter Sabatini.