Manchester United are reportedly ready to battle Real Madrid in the race to sign Paulo Dybala from Juventus.

Madrid are understood to have been long-term admirers of the Argentine forward, who has directly contributed to 15 goals in as many Serie A appearances so far this season.

Spanish publication Diario Gol reports that Madrid president Florentino Perez has already opened informal negotiations with Dybala's representatives, but that Los Blancos could now face competition from United.

Jose Mourinho is keen to bring in more high-profile players next summer in an effort to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City, with the Red Devils not put off by Dybala's £170,000-a-week wage demands.

Any deal is unlikely to take place during the January transfer window, but United could try to lure Dybala to Old Trafford after next summer's World Cup in Russia.

Dybala joined Juventus in 2015 and has since scored 56 goals in 118 appearances for the club.