Manchester United Want To Sign €80 Million Defender

Jose Mourinho is casting a keen eye on Atletico Madrid defender and World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez, according to France Football. The Portuguese boss had been in search of a defender all summer, and these reports suggest that Manchester United will plot a move for the left-back in the January transfer window.

Hernandez garnered lots of praise for his performances in France’s World Cup winning campaign, which ultimately led to a rise in his market value. Since then, a host of top European clubs have been pursuing his services.

Owing to his versatility, the 22-year-old can play as a left-back, wing back and a center-half. The £72m-rated player had only penned a new deal this summer, which is supposed to keep him at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2024.

“Atletico Madrid are the club of my life. They've given me everything and I'm very happy with my renewal because it was what I wanted most,” he had said, upon signing his new contract. “I can't do anything else than thank them for their trust and pay them back on the pitch.”

Arch-rivals Real Madrid did trigger Hernandez’s clause, but the player turned down their offer himself.

Meanwhile, Mourinho chased a number of defenders in the summer, including Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, Spurs’ Toby Alderweireld and Diego Godin. He was furious when the executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward refused to cough up the funds of any of these players.

A poor start to season only means that the Red Devils might splurge cash in January to beef up their defence. Although his mind is set on a stay at the Spanish capital, further pressure from the English giants may change matters.

Rojiblancos take on Eibar after the international break, whereas the struggling Manchester United travel to Vicarage Road to battle it out against Watford on 15 September.