I want Diarra to stay! Real Madrid boss Mourinho warns his old rival Sir Alex to keep his hands off

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Updated: 07:50 EST, 6 January 2011

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho wants to keep Manchester United target Lassana Diarra at the club.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be eyeing Diarra as a replacement for the injured Owen Hargreaves and veteran Paul Scholes.

But Diarra has played the last four games, and Mourinho said: 'He has played well recently.

The Real deal? Diarra in action against Getafe on Monday

'He was even in the starting XI while usual midfielders were available.

'That proves I want him to go on here.'

Diarra is on contract with the Spanish giants until 2013.

He previously had spells with Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth.