Jose Mourinho Wants £35m Defender To Replace Chris Smalling

Jose Mourinho has reportedly handed Ed Woodward a three-man shortlist, as he seeks to find a world class replacement for Chris Smalling in the summer.

The United boss is said to be unconvinced by Smalling’s performances this season, and does not believe the Englishman has what it takes to lead the club at the heart of defense.

He has already stated his desire to focus his summer spending on the recruitment of quality defenders and midfielders, and has now handed in his list of center-back targets to partner Eric Bailly next season.

According to reports in The Mirror, United are weighing up a move for Harry Maguire in the summer.

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The 25-year-old has been one of Leicester City’s most reliable and consistent presences in the first team this season, and is seen as one of the best defenders in the league at the moment.

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Maguire has also taken Smalling’s place in the starting XI of the England national team, and looks set to go to the World Cup ahead of the United man. The defender is said to available in the summer, and would move for a fee in the region of £35 million.

Mourinho is also keen on his securing a move for Raphael Varane, who he helped sign for Real Madrid during his time as the club’s manager.

Despite his obvious quality, Varane has not found appearances easy to come by, and will consider a move away in the summer.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos completes Mourinho’s wish list, as the player looks set to leave the French giants in the summer for pastures new.