Manchester United are reported to be monitoring the proceedings of Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos ahead of a potential move for his services during the summer.
According to The Mirror, the Red Devils scouts have watched the Greece international playing for Dortmund on multiple occasions, and they have identified him as a potential option to bolster their defence during the summer.
Jose Mourinho has suffered with key injuries in the central defensive department in the past 20 months, and he is keen on recruiting a genuine hard-working defender in the ranks, as doubts linger over the long-term futures of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
Victor Lindelof has yet to fully adapt to the rigours of the Premier League, and The Mirror suggest that Mourinho is still searching for an experienced head to partner Eric Bailly at the heart of the United backline.
Sokratis, who was recruited by Jurgen Klopp for Dortmund in 2013, has been a reliable aerial presence at the back through his height, but his tackling and passing capabilities are likely to have also caught the eye of United’s talent-spotters.
United have also been associated with a potential move for Toby Alderweireld from Tottenham Hotspur, but Sokratis is regarded as the cheaper option among the two, as he could be available for around £20m. League rivals Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the Greek footballer.
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