Manchester United are optimistic about their chances of signing Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Gimenez in January, according to ESPN.
The report claims that strengthening United’s defensive options is Jose Mourinho’s number one priority for the January transfer window, with the Portuguese manager setting his sights on the Uruguay international.
The news outlet goes on to suggest United are also keen on Gimenez’s teammate Diego Godin, but Atletico Madrid are unwilling to negotiate the 30-year-old’s departure.
However, the Spanish giants are thought to be open to the possibility of selling Gimenez due to the defender’s current situation at the Vicente Calderon.
The 21-year-old Uruguay international was one of Atletico Madrid’s best players last season, but has only made 4 appearances in all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side since August.
It’s not yet clear why Gimenez has fallen out of favour at Atletico, but according to ESPN, the commanding defender has had a personality clash with his manager, which could lead to his departure in January.
Atletico Madrid are reportedly open to selling Gimenez if they receive an offer of between €40m and €50m.
Manchester United could easily afford to meet Atletico’s reported asking price for Gimenez as the Uruguayan is still regarded as one of the best young defenders in the game, but it all depends on how much Mourinho wants to work with the centre-back.
Given United’s defensive struggles in the current campaign, signing a new centre-back in January looks increasingly likely.
Gimenez is a quality player and signing him in January would be a fantastic piece of business for the underperforming English giants.
