David De Gea came close to signing for the Spanish giants back in 2015, but for some paperwork trouble which stopped the move. Florentino Perez has had his eye on the keeper for a long time, but Mourinho is prepared to play hardball with his former club.
According to The Sun, the United boss wants at least one Real Madrid player to arrive in a trade that would, at first glance, seem unlikely to happen from Real's point of view.
But the Portuguese manager knows the Madrid chairman does not hesitate when it comes to bringing out the cheque book, and he is prepared to take advantage of Perez's whimsical nature.
Raphael Varane and Alvaro Morata would be on Mourinho's wishlist if De Gea is to return to Madrid, with the United boss reinforcing two crucial positions in his squad. Chelsea are desperate to sign the Spanish centre-forward, with Blues star Hazard been linked to a swap with the Real man, but Mourinho has also taken a fancy to the striker.
Real Madrid are prepared to pay up to 70 million euros for De Gea and, bearing in mind the goalkeeper has made known his desire to return to Madrid, as well as Morata and Varane's modest roles in Zidane's team, if the seemingly unlikely deal is followed through, it could satisfy all parties equally.