Manchester United ready to sign £72m real Madrid target Lucas Hernandez in january

The Red Devils are believed to be admirers of the 22-year-old World Cup winner, who is equally adept at centre-back as at left-back. His versatility makes him an attractive prospect to Mourinho and United, particularly after a shaky start saw them concede six goals in two games against Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur, although they did keep a clean sheet in their latest 2-0 win against Burnley.

United chiefs failed to deliver a new centre-back for their manager in the summer, which led to friction between Mourinho and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, but the club are preparing to make amends in the January transfer window.

And they are ready to make a move for Hernandez, according to France Football.  The French ace has a release clause of £72million, which United may have to trigger in order to land him, while they also face competition to sign him from Real Madrid. However, Atletico are reluctant to sell to their bitter rivals and would be more open to selling to United.