Jose Mourinho is desperate to sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window.

It’s been no secret that the Portuguese wants defensive reinforcements at Old Trafford. He remained unconvinced by Eric Bailly and Vitor Lindelof and preferred to use Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in his back four. If United are to challenge City for the title next year, they need a world-class defender to shore up their back line.

According to reports, United have made Leicester City defender, Harry Maguire, their top target. Maguire joined the Foxes last summer from Hull City and enjoyed an excellent World Cup campaign with England. United will have to fork out around £70m to tempt Leicester into selling their prized asset.

Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, Maguire is a top defender but United would be severely overpaying and should consider other options. The Englishman excelled in Gareth Southgate’s system but was frequently caught out in a back four. His ability to bring the ball out of defence works in a back three but leaves gaps in a two-man partnership.

Instead, United should put all their efforts into signing Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian has established himself as the best defender in the Premier League in recent years and would be a much less risky signing than Maguire. The clubs remain way apart of their valuations with the 29-year-old available for just £25m next summer.

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Should United fail to land him this summer, Tottenham would be forced to reduce their price in the January window. Going all out for Alderweireld makes much more sense than splashing £70m on Maguire.

Manchester United fans, thoughts?