Leeds United have been linked with a permanent move for Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.
And Borthwick-Jackson’s comments about Mourinho’s high opinion of him should make good reading for Leeds’ fans.
“I speak to him [Mourinho] all the time,” Borthwick-Jackson said.
“He’s always keeping eyes on me and he has people watching. When I first came into pre-season I got injured early on, and as I recovered he asked me how I was and things like that. When I came back he said: ‘the squad’s a bit too big but I see a future for you here’ and that I’m a ‘top player’. He told me to go out and get some experience.”
Borthwick-Jackson has enjoyed a handful of appearances for United’s senior side, but still hasn’t done enough to hold down a place in their first-team.
The 20-year-old England youth international spent last season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but made just six appearances for the Championship side.
Borthwick-Jackson has also been strongly influenced by Rio Ferdinand over the course of his career.
Ferdinand, who played for Leeds during his career, coached Borthwick-Jackson in training for a period of time.
And the youngster said: When Rio was doing his coaching badges, he took a couple of sessions and you would see the senior players around.
“We had a session with the reserves when Rio spoke to me and gave me some wise words.”
Leeds completed their third signing of the summer yesterday, bringing in Vurnon Anita, following the expiration of his contract at Newcastle United.
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