Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld has emerged as Manchester United’s number one transfer target in the January transfer window.
Jose Mourinho has been keen to add to his defensive options, and having been given the green light to sign a centre-back in January, has identified Belgium international Alderweireld to strengthen his side’s leaky backline.
The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his Tottenham contract, and Mourinho believes the defender may be a cheaper alternative to targets such as Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Sun are reporting that United chief executive Ed Woodward has approved the move, with Mourinho having been desperate to strengthen a defence which has conceded 26 goals in just 16 Premier League games this season.
Alderweireld has failed to agree new terms at Tottenham and would likely command a fee of around £40m. Mourinho is keen for additions who can make an instant impact, with the club currently in 6th, eight points off the Champions League places.