Jose Mourinho 'personally approves' Fenerbahce signing player he 'wouldn't swap for Bruno Fernandes'

Jose Mourinho has reportedly approved his next Fenerbahce signing who he previously rated higher than Bruno Fernandes.

Mourinho has been active in the summer transfer window since taking charge of the Turkish side this summer but was unable to guide his new side into the Champions League league phase after losing in the qualification stage to Lille.

Fenerbahce will instead feature in the Europa League and Mourinho is working hard to add to his new arrivals before deadline day.

If fresh reports are to be believed, the Portuguese will return to one of his former clubs for his next transfer.

Mourinho wants to strengthen his midfield options and has identified Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso as the perfect recruit, according to Turkish outlet Sporx.

Lo Celso made only four starts in the Premier League last season under Ange Postecoglou and competition for places has increased this summer following the arrival of Archie Gray from Leeds for a reported £30m.

The report adds Fenerbahce have been offered the player’s services amid their interest in signing him.

Lo Celso is no stranger to Mourinho having made 52 appearances under the former Spurs boss during his time in North London.

Giovani Lo Celso could leave Tottenham (Getty)

Tottenham had opened talks to sign now Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes before agreeing a deal to sign Lo Celso during Mauricio Pochettino’s time in charge of the club and Mourinho previously claimed he wouldn’t swap the Argentine for the ex-Sporting Lisbon man.

Mourinho said in 2020: “I don't know anything about that, but if that is true, and if Giovani Lo Celso was the player that came to Spurs [instead of Bruno Fernandes], then I would say I wouldn't change Giovani Lo Celso for any player.

"[I wouldn't swap Lo Celso] for any player. It's not just for Bruno, but for any player.”

He added: “I came to the club and he wasn't playing. I think the only match he started was Red Star Belgrade away in the Champions League - apart from that he was not playing.

"When I arrived I went in other directions and he did exactly what I love a player to do: 'I'm going to show you'.

"[There was] no spoiled kid reactions, no crying, no moaning, no agents and family throwing messages to the press and to the social media. It was just between him and me: 'I'm going to show you', and he showed me step-by-step.”

Lo Celso has just one year remaining on his Tottenham contract meaning Postecoglou is likely to cash in on the Copa America winner.