Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho eyes move for Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly eyeing a January move for Atletico Madrid's highly-rated defender Jose Gimenez in January. The United boss is keen to add defensive reinforcements during the transfer window and has identified the 21-year-old centre-back as his perferred target.

United have conceded 15 goals in 13 Premier League games this season, and their efforts to mount a serious title challenge have been undermined by persistent injuries in that area of the field. At the moment, for instance, Mourinho is deprived of the services of his two first-choice central defenders, Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, duo to injury.

And while Juventus' sought-after Leonardo Bonucci is considered to be too expensive by the Old Trafford club, Mourinho is keen to pursue a move for Gimenez, according to ESPN. What's more, Gimenez has fallen out of favour with Atletico boss Diego Simeone in recent months, prompting suggestions he could soon leave the Spanish capital.

Atletico would reportedly want a fee of between €40m (£33.9m, $42.3m) and €50m for the United transfer target. Mourinho is firstly keen to add Gimenez to United's under-performing squad, although Southampton's Jose Fonte is still seen as a back-up option.

Elsewhere, United are also trying to sign a fast right-back in the January transfer window, with Monaco's Fabinho the club's top target. However, the Brazil international signed a new contract with Monaco earlier this year and any move from United may be hampered by the French club's continued involvement in the Champions League.