Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Marcos Rojo and Fran Villalba

Manchester United are reportedly scouting left-sided central defenders as they search for a replacement for Marcos Rojo.

That's according to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t the Sunday Mirror), who noted United boss Jose Mourinho has had his staff scouring Europe for a new defender and that Rojo "will be sold once [he] finds a replacement."

The Argentinian, who can play as a centre-back or as a left-back, has made just three appearances this season after a late substitute outing in the Community Shield—two in the UEFA Europa League and against Northampton Town in the EFL Cup.

As Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted, Rojo has failed to impress, even against the Cobblers:

Alice McKeegan of the same publication is also unimpressed with the 26-year-old:

Rojo has frequently proved himself to be a liability at the back for the Red Devils, so their desire to replace him is warranted.

The arrival of another defender would surely spell the end of his disappointing time at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, according to Spanish outlet El Desmarque (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express), United are hoping to sign Valencia youngster Fran Villalba in January.

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The 18-year-old midfielder, who has a £3.6 million buyout clause, emerged on the fringes of the first team last season under United legend Gary Neville, but has yet to make a senior appearance this year under Pako Ayestaran or Cesare Prandelli this term despite Los Che's struggles and the summer sale of Andre Gomes.

Former Valencia assistant manager Phil Neville holds him in high regard, per La Liga writer Andrew Gaffney:

United reportedly want to install him in their academy and allow him to develop into a first-team player.

Villalba is also reportedly attracting interest from Barcelona, though, so they may face some competition for his signature.