Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly asked the club to target Everton full-back Seamus Coleman in the January transfer window.
According to The Mirror, the Portuguese tactician has identified the 27-year-old as the ideal addition to his squad having decided to play Antonio Valencia at right-back so far this season after being left unimpressed by Matteo Darmian.
The report adds that the Red Devils are willing to bid £16m for the Republic of Ireland international, three years on from when former boss David Moyes tried to take his former star to Old Trafford when in charge of the club.
Meanwhile, it’s clear that Darmian hasn’t convinced Mourinho that he’s the long-term answer at right-back, as he’s started just one game so far this season in the Europa League defeat to Feyenoord, with Valencia’s pace and experience being preferred thus far.
However, it appears as though Mourinho is still keen to strengthen in that position, and Coleman could be the man to fill that gap depending on whether or not the Toffees are open to discussions.
Given that Everton lost John Stones in the summer, it’s debatable as to whether manager Ronald Koeman will be willing to discuss losing another key defender, and so United could be set for disappointment as their domestic rivals look to build their own successful squad and keep hold of important individuals.
Further, The Mirror claim that the Premier League giants are looking at left-sided central defenders too, which they believe will mean the end for Marcos Rojo. Although it will naturally also put pressure on the likes of Daley Blind and Chris Smalling in keeping their place in the team moving forward if there is indeed a new arrival.