Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly identified Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti as a possible transfer target during the January window.
Mourinho is understood to be considering defensive reinforcements to play alongside Eric Bailly, with £30m summer signing Victor Lindelof yet to start a single Premier League game since his arrival.
Phil Jones has emerged as Mourinho's first choice to partner Bailly, but the Portuguese boss is thought to want another top-class centre-back having not been convinced by Chris Smalling.
Raphael Varane has been United's number one defensive transfer target since Mourinho's arrival, having made his Real Madrid debut under the former Chelsea boss, but United have reportedly now given up hope of signing the France international.
The Mirror reports that the Red Devils have instead turned their attention to Varane's international teammate Umtiti, who has a £53m buyout clause in his contract at Barcelona.
The 23-year-old has established himself as first choice alongside Gerard Pique at Camp Nou, but is understood to be open to a move away unless he is offered improved terms by the Spanish giants.
Umtiti has made 58 appearances across all competitions for Barca, scoring one goal in the process.
Barney Corkhill
