Louis van Gaal is weighing up a bid in the winter transfer window for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin after considering a shortlist of defensive targets to strengthen United's wary backline, according to reports.
The manager had identified central defence as a position in need of prime improvement during the summer. The Dutchman was left frustrated after missing out on Mats Hummels from Dortmund and Thomas Vermaelen, who joined Barcelona from Arsenal. Although capturing Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon, van Gaal will carry on his pursuit in recruiting an experienced centre-half in January.
Ron Vlaar, the Aston Villa centre-back who was part of van Gaal's Dutch World Cup squad, could be available at a cut-price as his contract at Villa park stays on stall. However, a Mats Hummels move remains unlikely due to Dortmund's recluctance to sell the 25 year-old in January, despite the club sitting bottom of the Bundesliga.
Uruguay international Diego Godin seems the most likely target to end up at Old Trafford by the end of January, after being scouted regularly by United the past few months.
His £28.5m release clause may not appeal to the Reds, but the attraction lies in the La Liga champion's impressive fitness record and comanding defensive displays at the Vicente Calderon. Reports will become reality if United's injury problems fail to clear over the festive period.