With the winter transfer window just a month away, Manchester United are reported to be weighing up a move for Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez. The Red Devils have made a poor start to the campaign by their standards, and are currently 11 points behind league leaders Chelsea.
According to a report from ESPN, manager Jose Mourinho has highlighted the need to recruit a new centre-back in January after he saw his side slump to a fourth consecutive home draw in the league – something which they last did in 1980.
The central defence has been a weakness for the Red Devils since the start of the season, and injuries to Chris Smalling (Broken Toe) and Eric Bailly (Knee) have forced Mourinho to depend on Marcus Rojo, Daley Blind, and a much forgotten Phil Jones to share the duties.
ESPN claims that the Red Devils have approached Atleti over the availability of defensive duo Jose Gimenez, and Diego Godin. However, the Capital outfit would be willing to discuss an agreement for only Gimenez as they feel Godin remains a crucial part of their plans under Diego Simeone.
Gimenez, who is contracted to Atleti until June 2018, has had a tough time at the Vicente Calderon this term with Simeone preferring to play Stefan Savic and Diego Godin at the heart of the defence. On top of that, young graduate Lucas Hernandez is regarded as a top prospect at the club and has been backed by Simeone to succeed with the former La Liga champions.
The Uruguay international currently has a £56m release clause in his existing deal, but it is believed that Atleti would settle for a £42m sum, should he request a transfer away from the club.
The 21-year-old is well known for his tough tackling and clearing capabilities off the backline, and though his passing game needs to improve, he could be a useful asset for Manchester United in years to come.
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