Southampton are desperate to keep star defender Jose Fonte at the club and are willing to offer a two-year contract extension to keep him on board according to the Express.
Per the source, the Saints are determined to keep the Portugal international at the club but United are interested as they look to bolster their defensive options.
The Express reported on Monday that the Red Devils are targeting a move for the experienced defender who did not deny the admiration he feels towards the club.
The 32-year-old was quoted as saying: “If the interest is there it is a reason to be flattered to be associated with a club like Manchester United.
“I will not deny that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and that makes me happy to be associated with it.”
Despite boosting his defensive line with the signing of Eric Bailly this summer, Mourinho is keen on adding additional depth to the back-four.
Fonte currently has just one year left on his contract and despite being offered a new deal, he has yet to agree on personal terms which in turn could pave the way for a cut-price move to Old Trafford.
The defender was involved in the Portugal side that won the European Championship this summer and would bring the leadership and experience to the United backline that Mourinho is seeking as he looks to guide United to competing at the top of the Premier League table.
Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol