Manchester United chief Ed Woodward is launching a bid for Juventus attacker Douglas Costa.

The Sun says Woodward lined up Juventus star Costa before axing Jose Mourinho.

It is claimed Mourinho learnt of the plans to sign the Brazilian shortly before he was sacked.

Costa has slipped down the pecking order at Juve following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, despite turning his loan into a permanent deal in the same transfer window.

Mourinho had clashed with Woodward and the United board over the failure to land transfer targets.