Manchester United to make move for Boateng

Mourinho to sets sights on Germany defender

Manchester United’s pursuit of a central defender has taken them from Belgium to Germany in this World Cup lucky dip.

The club had identified Toby Alderweireld as their prime target this summer but Tottenham chief Daniel Levy is yet again proving a hard-line negotiator.

The Belgian defender is starring at the World Cup for his country right now and reports suggest Spurs want north of £70 million for the 29-year-old.

The other sticking point is the future of United attacker Anthony Martial.

It appears his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end with the Frenchman reluctant to pen a new deal.

He has many admirers around Europe but Spurs wanted to include him in a swap-deal for Alderweireld.

Comeback

This has slowed talks between the two clubs and now Mourinho has his eyes on Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng.

The German international has been first-choice at the Allianz Arena since his 2011 move from Manchester City.

However, David Alaba and Javi Martinez were being deployed in defence during Pep Guardiola’s tenure which at times restricted Boateng’s playing time.

A three-man defence meant he also had to battle against Mehdi Benatia and Holger Badstuber.

A string of injuries have riddled the German’s career since 2017 and the signing of Niklas Sule has seen him fall down the pecking order.

Nonetheless, the World Cup winner will provide the experience and proven mentality that United need.