Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants Jose Fonte to help youngster Eric Bailly

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wants to sign Southampton's Jose Fonte to add some much-needed experience to their backline. The 32-year-old Portuguese has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent days and Mourinho sees Fonte's experience as key to the deal.

United already have the likes of Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Daley Blind in their ranks, all of whom can play at centre-back or full-back. Yet Mourinho thinks United lack experience in their defensive options. It is reported, too, that the Premier League-winning boss is keen for Fonte to guide Bailly through the early stages of his United career.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast centre-half joined United earlier in the transfer window and has impressed at Old Trafford so far. However, Mourinho is conscious that he is still young and inexperienced, which partially explains United's interest in Fonte, according to The Guardian.

Fonte, meanwhile, has previously suggested he would like to move to United. "If there's interest, it's a reason to feel flattered to be associated with a club like Manchester United," said Fonte, who won Euro 2016 with Portugal earlier this summer.

"It's true that I've known Mourinho for many years. We've faced each other many times, he knows me well."