Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Jose Mourinho can bring in some much-needed reinforcements in the defence in the summer.

The Red Devils have struggled to play a regular centre-back pairing since the days of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, and with Eric Bailly seemingly the first choice defender, another top quality partner wouldn’t go amiss. Many in the bar think that eventually, Victor Lindelof will step up to the plate as he gets used to the rigours of Premier League life, but in the meantime, Mourinho needs to steady the ship.

With that in mind, Toby Alderweireld could be the answer.

The Belgian hasn’t featured in the League or Champions League so far since his return from injury and, only has 18 months left on his contract before a £25m trigger clause is released in his one-year extension. Linked with a move away from north London as big European clubs circle, Old Trafford would be a wonderful home for the former Atletico Madrid man.

Our landlord takes a look at two reasons why bringing Alderweireld – rated at £31.5m by Transfermarkt – to Old Trafford would be a smart move by Mourinho. Indeed, if it helps close the gap on Man City and puts a rest to the doubts surrounding him as a United manager, it could even be his best ever…

Peak Age

By bringing Alderweireld in, Mourinho gains a player at the peak of his footballing career. The Belgian is 28 and over the past few seasons has played some of his best football in Spurs’ purple patch in the league, proving to be arguably the best defender in the division.

The barman believes Alderweireld can bring out the best in Bailly and visa versa, with his high concentrations levels and his ability to pass the ball out of defence, he could be a crowd favourite for years to come. Launching the ball forward to spring a counter surely makes him an ideal Mourinho-type player.

Experience

With hitting his peak age comes years of experience, which he’d bring to Old Trafford. United need a strong and experienced defender to marshall the back-line and, in Alderweireld they certainly would have that.

The Belgian has decent form when it comes to Premier League title runs and with Spurs, even though they didn’t win it, that experience will pay off ten-fold in the future. Mourinho could have a fantastic signing on his hands if he were to pursue it.