Clasico rivalry in EPL: Manchester United ready to hire Jose Mourinho after City got Pep Guardiola

With United struggling under Louis van Gaal, Mourinho has emerged as hot a favourite to replace the Dutchman.

New Delhi: The English Premier League could be the new battle ground for two of the bitterest managerial rivals in football with Jose Mourinho replacing Louis van Gaal as manager of Manchester United next season.

According to reports, the Old Trafford outfit are close to agreeing a deal with the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager for the next season. Spanish publication AS on Thursday carried a report quoting respected Italian journalist Alessandro Alciato's tweet claiming the Portuguese is on the brink of landing the Red Devils job.

@SkySport Mourinho-Manchester United: accordo vicinissimo. Che derby con il City di Guardiola!

— Alessandro Alciato (@AAlciato) February 3, 2016

The latest development has also been confirmed by ESPN, saying the club has not denied the report. The report also claimed that United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would meet club owners, the Glazer family, to decide van Gaal's future.

It's worth noting that Mourinho's bete noir Pep Guardiola has already been confirmed as Manchester City's manager from the coming season, replacing Manuel Pellegrini.

If Mourinho becomes United manager, then his famous rivalry with Guardiola will see a new chapter in England.