Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has publicly confirmed his interest in signing Germany and Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira.

Stuttgart and the player’s agent were forced to deny that a deal had already been struck after Spanish newspapers reported the World Cup star, 23, was due to sign last Thursday.

But Mourinho insists that the defensive midfielder is on his wish-list.

"Khedira interests us," Mourinho told Portuguese news agency LUSA.

"He has enormous potential. We want players who are willing to learn and improve."

Khedira’s current deal expires next summer and Stuttgart would happily cash in for 10 million euros, according to reports.

Eurosport