Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to launch bid for Monaco defender Fabinho

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly prepared to launch a €30m (£25.9m, $33.7m) move for Fabinho. The Monaco defender has been linked with the Reds over the last few weeks and the Old Trafford club are apparently set to make their move.

Mourinho has chosen to play Antonio Valencia at fullback so far this season, with the likes of Matteo Darmian and Timothy Fosu-Mensah waiting in reserve. But according to the Spanish publication Marca, United have revived their interest in the highly-rated Brazilian in the last few hours.

Mourinho - who joined United earlier this summer - knows Fabinho from his time in charge of Real Madrid. Since then, the 22-year-old defender has moved to the south of France, where he has established himself as Monaco's first-choice right-back.

The rumoured United target is likely to feature in Monaco's Champions League qualifier against Villarreal tonight (17 August), but could make the move to the Premier League before the end of the month.

The speculation comes amid claims Napoli and Roma are interested in signing Darmian, according to Sky Sports. The 26-year-old Italian started his United career in fine style last season, but his form fell away as the season progressed and he has been persistently linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Darmian's future at the club is also clouded by reports suggesting Fosu-Mensah is on the cusp of signing a new long-term deal with United. The 18-year-old Dutchman was one of the bright sparks for United last season and is considered to be among the most promising young players at the club.