Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Jose Fonte and Diego Godin

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will target Southampton defender Jose Fonte and Atletico Madrid centre-back Diego Godin in an attempt to add more experience to his squad.

That’s according to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (via the Sunday Mirror), who has stated that given the amount of youthful players involved in the Red Devils first team, the United boss feels as though some experienced figures are needed to help the side push on.

“Having spent five months analysing and working with this United squad, Mourinho has ­concluded he already has his full quota of young stars,” continued Bates, who also noted the Red Devils’ recent transfer policy has centred around bringing in some of the most exciting rising stars in the game like Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba.

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According to the report, the first step in this shift in recruitment will see Mourinho look to land Fonte in the January transfer window, as he’s a “high priority” target.

It was recently reported by Ed Aarons of the Guardian that the Saints are ready to let their skipper leave in the midseason market, as he turned down a new contract with the club. Fonte, now 32, has just 18 months remaining on his current deal.

The veteran defender sought to clarify the situation with this post on Instagram, although it’s further fuelled talk of a move away:

It’d be a sensible acquisition if United could get this one done, although according to Aarons, Everton are also interested in the Portugal international.

While he may not be a world-class centre-back, Fonte is proven in the Premier League, has played in some massive matches—especially during his country’s successful UEFA European Championship campaign in the summer—and is the kind of leader United have lacked in the centre-back positions so far this season.

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Aside from a familiarity with the Premier League, a lot of those traits are also present in Godin, who has cemented himself as one of the best defenders in the world at Atletico.

It’s noted by Bates that Godin has become a target as a result of this new screening process that places an emphasis on experience. Here is why he’d be an exciting acquisition:

Atletico have developed wonderfully under manager Diego Simeone in recent years and the defensive structure, of which Godin is the undoubted linchpin, has been vital to their progression. The 30-year-old Uruguay international is commanding, aggressive and has chipped in with some vital goals down the years.

These numbers from OptaJose show that not only is Godin a force at the back, but he’s a tough aerial presence to handle for opposition defenders too:

For Mourinho the defensive talents of the respective players will be of most significance and despite having never played in English football, all signs point to Godin being a hit in the Premier League if he were to join.

Of the two, Godin would be the most eye-catching and positive purchase. However, it would be a huge surprise if Atletico opted to sell a player who’s so important to the cause. It's also questionable whether the defender would be ready to depart a team that competes for the top honours season after season.

Fonte would be the more attainable of the two. The Southampton man wouldn’t be the most glamorous January purchase, but if Mourinho wants a player to provide instant solidity and generalship to his back four, there won’t be many better options available midseason.