Report: Manchester United preparing £18million move for African defender

Manchester United are ready to make a move for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mirror.

The report claims Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen his team’s defensive options and has identified the controversial 23-year-old as the man to solve United’s right-back problems.

Mourinho reportedly instructed his scouts to watch the player in action for Ivory Coast against France last Tuesday. The game in Lens ended in a goalless draw, with Aurier playing the full 90 minutes.

Aurier, who’s reportedly valued at around £18m, has had some major disciplinary issues in the past.

He was filmed insulting his former manager Laurent Blanc and some of his teammates earlier this year and was also sentenced to two months in prison for clashing with a police officer last May.

However, Aurier is one of PSG’s key players this season under new manager Unai Emery, making 10 appearances in all competitions so far.

Aurier is a quality player and would be a great addition to the squad, but the club must consider whether the player’s disciplinary issues would be a problem.