Transfer rumour mill: Manchester United are eyeing a move for defender José Giménez

According to the Guardian, Manchester United are lining up a €50 million bid for Uruguayan international José Giménez, who is regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe.

The fact that the rumour has been mentioned by Metro, Daily Star and the Manchester Evening News, it’s not a surprise at all. Manager José Mourinho will be considering a few candidates ahead of the January transfer window to add some steel and depth to the defence.

Even if a €50 million bid for Giménez does get lodged in January, it may not be enough as the Atlético Madrid man has a £56 million release clause inside his contract — a massive fee for a player who isn’t a regular starter for the Spanish club at this moment in time.

Mourinho is yet to settle on a first-choice backline, and he won’t be able to do so for a while with Antonio Valencia and Eric Bailly out until the end of the year. United are currently using left-backs Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind at the heart of defence and both players have found it very difficult to build a solid partnership.

Giménez has only made two appearances for the La Liga side so far this campaign, playing a full match in the UEFA Champions League and coming off the bench in a league fixture.

Remembering that Atlético Madrid will be facing a transfer ban for the next two windows, it’s unlikely that Diego Simeone will let the 21-year-old defender leave.

Although the Red Devils are desperate for a good centre-back, Giménez isn’t necessarily the type of the defender that the club need. United need someone who has more experience under their belt and is seen as a reliable leader at the back. If Mourinho is desperate to add a centre-back in January, a cheaper, more suitable option could be sought.