Manchester United ponder move for Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic, according to ESPN.

Louis van Gaal is looking to spruce up United's defence, amid growing pressure of securing a top four spot, as his side have been conceding goals casually in the Premier League this season.

Dragovic has won accolades for his performance at his club and country, and at 23, he seems ready to make a move to a better league. United have watched the player closely, and now the player, who was targeted by Arsenal and West Ham United in the past, could contemplate moving to Old Trafford.

The defender joined Kiev from Basel in 2013 and has since been an important figure in the team's aspirations to win the league. However, reports state that he is willing to move out of Ukraine should an opportunity present itself, giving United the go ahead to launch a bid for the defender.

It is an important period for Van Gaal, who has spent more than £150m in the summer and needs to justify his acquisitions with a performance befitting the 20-time champions.

Presently, the Dutchman finds himself in an awkward situation of having amassed the same number of points that David Moyes had managed at this point last season, for which the Scotsman was ignominiously relieved of his duties.

However, Van Gaal, who has won championships with Barcelona and Bayern Munich has pinpointed his side's defence as the area that needs to be given more teeth, before the transfer window comes to a close in the first week of February.

United are also keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, but moved on, after the German declared he is not willing to leave the club in search for Champions League football, in spite of growing concerns over their current position in the Bundesliga.

Van Gaal has also earmarked Bruno Martins Indi as a potential target, having worked with him with the Dutch national team.