It appears as though signing a defender is very much at the top of Man United’s to-do list with three players linked with a move to Old Trafford in January.
The most likely deal now appears to be one involving Benfica defender Victor Lindelof, with O Jogo reporting that the Swedish international is closing in on a £38m switch to Old Trafford.
It’s claimed that agent Jorge Mendes and Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira are in Manchester this week to wrap up the deal for the 22-year-old. If so, it will be a major signing for United as Mourinho will be confident that he is a long-term solution to their defensive problems.
However, it appears as though the Portuguese tactician has options, as Southampton are reportedly open to listening to offers for captain and defensive stalwart Jose Fonte.
The 32-year-old is an established Premier League defender and would bring more immediate assurances given his experience in the English top flight.
According to The Telegraph, the Saints are not willing to sell Virgil van Dijk but could listen to offers for Fonte with both United and Everton previously credited with an interest in the Portuguese international and Euro 2016 winner.
That’s not where the interest in defenders stops either, as The Sun claim that Man United will battle it out with Chelsea for the signing of Roma star Antonio Rudiger.
The German international has recovered from a serious knee injury suffered this past summer to re-establish himself as a key cog in the Giallorossi backline and has been in great form so far this season.
With financial issues taking their toll on the Serie A outfit, they could look to cash in and make a profit on their investment and so United could yet make a move for the 23-year-old if things don’t work out elsewhere.
Mourinho is seemingly keen to bolster his defensive ranks with Eric Bailly currently out with an injury before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
Despite the fact that Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones have done a great job filling in, it doesn’t seem to have been enough for the Man United boss who is on the cusp of strengthening his squad further.