Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho identifies Napoli's Elseid Hysaj as Fabinho alternative

Manchester United have been left disappointed in their ongoing pursuit of signing AS Monaco defender Fabinho due to the French club's impressive run in the Champions League. They are on top of Group E table with eight points after four games and two points ahead of second place Bayer Leverkusen.

It is likely that Monaco could progress to the next round of Europe's elite club competition and this could see Fabinho continue at Stade Louis II at least until the end of the 2016/17 season. The right-back was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, but the deal did not take shape.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Portuguese tactician has targeted bringing in a new right-back in January. The Monaco defender was an ideal candidate to fill in that position and after failing to sign him in the previous window, United were planning for a swoop after the end of the calendar year.

Monaco handed the Brazil international in a new deal in September, which saw him sign a two-year extension. This was done to make sure the Ligue 1 outfit does not lose their player for a cut-price deal, if he decides to leave the club.

Mourinho has fielded Antonio Valencia as his first choice right-back this season. However, the Ecuadorian international is sidelined with an injury and has been replaced by Matteo Darmian in that position.

In addition to this, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager has played Timothy Fosu-Mensah in right-back position during the course of this season. Despite having three players in the same position, Mourinho was looking at bringing in Fabinho to further strengthen his back four.

However, Monaco's run in the Europe's elite club competition has forced the United manager to change his January transfer plans. He is looking to bring in a defender and this could see Mourinho turn his attention to Napoli right-back Elseid Hysaj.

The 22-year-old joined the Serie A outfit from Empoli last August and has been a regular inclusion in the starting lineup. So far, he has started 12 matches for Napoli in all competitions this term, which include three starts in the Champions League. Hysaj is predominantly a right back, but can also provide cover on the left-side of the back four.