Jose Mourinho’s summer recruitment is not going according to plan so far. The Portuguese manager has certain areas in the squad that he is desperate to improve on and one position that is frustrating him is the centre-back’s role.
The Red Devils have not been able to settle into a fixed partnership at the back and are now looking for defenders who can walk into the first team next season. One such player, who they might now miss out on is Milan Skriniar.
Reports suggest that Manchester United made a £60m bid for his services, which was rejected. Inter Milan are reportedly not open to selling and the 23-year old has further dampened United’s spirits, claiming that he is happy in Italy. He seems to be tough to land this summer, and here are three players Mourinho can target instead:
Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich):
The German international stands as one of the most decorated and experienced defenders in the game at the moment. However, it is reported that Bayern Munich are open to selling him this summer. The German giants are holding out for a fee of £50m, which is appropriate for a defender of his quality. However, at 29, he may not be a long-term option for the Red Devils. He does have previous experience of playing in Manchester and will certainly be a decent addition to their squad.
Clement Lenglet (Sevilla):
One of the most attractive assets in the current transfer market, Lenglet is still up for grabs, according to latest reports. The French youngster impressed Mourinho in the Champions League, where Sevilla knocked the Red Devils out. He has been a long-term transfer target for Catalan giants Barcelona but reports now suggest that he is yet to decide his future. He has a release clause of just €35m and Barcelona are hot on his heels. So there is no reason for United, not to make a move for Lenglet this summer.
Read More: Manchester United Ready To Make A Move For Chelsea Winger: Just What They Need?
Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur):
Finally, a transfer target from the past for United, Alderweireld, now seems to be the best option for Mourinho this summer. Spurs are reportedly demanding close to £70m but he has just a year left on his current deal and will be up for grabs at a meagre price at the end of the next season, even if Spurs extend his deal for another year, as is the option in his contract. So there is every chance that he will be available for a lot less and it might be best for United to stick with the tried and tested Belgian for their side, next season.
