Top defenders Mourinho could target in January

Manchester United have already shipped more goals in the first 12 games of the current campaign, than they did in the entirety of the last. 

And so, we take a look at the potential defensive reinforcements Jose Mourinho will be targeting in the upcoming January transfer window:

Harry Maguire (£75 million)

In a well documented pursuit throughout the duration World Cup in the summer, Leicester stood firm against United's advances for prize asset Harry Maguire. However one thing counting against the 'Foxes' is the player's desire to play Champions League football, which could see them be forced to part with the defender if the 'Red Devils' offer the right price.

Issa Diop (£60 million)

The West Ham youngster impressed Jose Mourinho during his side's defeat at the London Stadium earlier this season, and given the young age of the player, he will be a good long term investment for United. On the other hand, the 21 year old's lack of top level experience added to West Ham's desire to get a great price for him, could see Diop quickly fall down Jose Mourinho's wishlist.

Milan Skriniar (£90 million)

The Italian has attracted many suitors during his brief stint in the Black and Blue of Inter Milan. United could have to shell out a lofty fee for the Slovakian, but with the defender yet to agree new terms at the San Siro, the price may deflate by the time January arrives. All is not totally in United's favour though, as any pursuit of the player will be rivalled by both Juventus and Barcelona.

Toby Alderweireld (£45 million)

United have been said to have made numerous enquiries about the player in recent seasons, but are yet to make a formal offer for the Belgian. The player has just one year left on his current deal with Tottenham, and with talks between the two parties breaking down, he could be a free agent before long. Having said that, Jose Mourinho can ill afford to wait too long to improve his defence, and will surely act before Alderweireld is available.

Andreas Granqvist (£8 million)

At the age of 33, the all-conquering Swede is hardly a long term fix to Manchester United's leaky defence. However he could prove to be a useful, nay affordable, stop-gap until the summer. This would also allow United more time to identify a number of definitive replacements that they wish to go after.

Nathan Ake (£40 million)

The young Dutch centre half is another player that would be a great long-term purchase for United, although the 'Red Devils' will have to pay Bournemouth handsomely to acquire his services. Not to mention the 'Cherries' will be reluctant to let such a key player leave mid-season, so perhaps a pursuit of Ake may have to wait until the summer.

Alessio Romagnoli (£55 million)

The AC Milan captain was coveted by Chelsea during the summer, and it is not hard to see why. The stylish left footed centre half would provide the balance that United's defence is crying out for, but if he needs time to adjust to the Premier League, Jose Mourinho may not be the right man to work for.

Kalidou Koulibaly (£80 million)

The Senegal international has many admirers among the European elite, so any move for the player will be strongly challenged by a number of other clubs. Koulibaly is happy at Napoli, enjoying the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, and is therefore unlikely to leave in January. The only exception to this stance would be if the Italian side received an audacious bid for the defender, and given Mourinho's desperation to recruit, United may just risk paying a huge fee in order to appease the Portuguese.