Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is already planning for the summer with the club in need of reinforcements in the defensive side of their game. The 55-year-old is reportedly keen on pursuing a new centre-back, left-back and midfielder during the next transfer window.
According to The Mirror, Mourinho has underlined the need for three individual players as he aims to close the gap between United and arch-rivals Manchester City in the Premier League. As per the report, the Red Devils are likely to pursue a new holding midfielder during the summer, considering the retirement of Michael Carrick which is expected to coincide with Marouane Fellaini’s exit on a free transfer.
Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is deemed as the prime option for the club, owing to his impressive all-round play which includes his impressive tackling, positioning and ability to contribute in terms of goals and assists, though he may cost a club-record fee.
Aside from this, there is the urge to recruit another centre-back in the ranks, and Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis are the prime candidates. Luring the former from Spurs is likely to be a huge task owing to the presence of Daniel Levy, and United could seek a move for the latter, who is rated at around £20m.
Mourinho is also said to have the interest in pursuing another left-sided defender with Ashley Young approaching the twilight of his career. Young has impressed in the makeshift position, but Mourinho is seemingly looking into the future – as he is not entirely convinced with Luke Shaw’s showing.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose has been reported as the leading target in the shortlist, and the Englishman could welcome the move after citing his ambition of returning ‘north‘ last summer. The left-sided defender could be available for a significant sum – part of which could be recouped from the potential departure of outcasts Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind in the summer.
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