Manchester United plot January move for Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic

Manchester United are considering a move in signing Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic in January.

The 23-year-old joined Dynamo Kiev on a five-year deal from FC Basel in 2013. He has been one of the star players for the Ukrainian Premier League outfit and has attracted interest from England.

The Guardian reports that Dragovic is keen on making a switch to the Premier League as Louis van Gaal is set to make the centre-back the second signing of this month after adding free agent Victor Valdes to the squad.

Dynamo Kiev are willing to let the Austrian international leave the club in the winter for £13m and his availability has alerted Louis van Gaal, who is set to make an approach to bring him to Old Trafford.

The 20-times English champions are already without the services of Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans due to injuries, leaving the Dutchman with Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones as the two recognised centre-backs, along with Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett.

McNair and Blackett have less than six months left on their contract and United are yet to tie down the duo to a new contract. A move for Dragovic will give Van Gaal more options during the team selection as United are yet to play with a regular back four this season.

Earlier in 2013, Dragovic expressed his desire to follow former United defender Nemanja Vidic's footsteps to the Premier League.

"My goal is to play in England. I hope to retrace the steps and the career of my model Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United," Dragovic said.

Any move from United in securing Dragovic's services will see them face competition from the Premier League rivals. The Guardian claims that Arsenal and West Ham United are also interested in signing him as the London clubs have scouted him in the past.

Meanwhile, Dragovic's side defeated 1860 Munich 2-0 in a friendly fixture on Saturday. The centre-back featured for 45 minutes, while his national teammate and 1860 Munich striker Rubin Okotie watched from the bench.

Okotie took on a social networking site to wish Dragovic for his future, hinting that a transfer could be on the cards.

"Fortunately for Aleksandar Dragović I haven't played this yet! Wishes you all the best, hope that your change soon goes beyond the stage you belong among the best defenders in Europe," Okotie wrote on his Instagram page.