Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Michael Keane, Benjamin Mendy

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wants to bring Burnley centre-back Michael Keane back to Old Trafford. Mourinho is even said to be prepared to meet the Clarets' asking price of £25 million.

Paying that fee would represent 10 times what United sold Keane for back in 2015, according to MailOnline's Laurie Whitwell: "Everton are leading the pursuit for Keane, with Liverpool and Chelsea also monitoring the situation, but United have now placed their former academy graduate on a list of summer targets."

Whitwell's report also noted how Mourinho is keen to add to his options at the back, particularly after Chris Smalling and Phil Jones recently suffered injuries. The England internationals have taken turns partnering Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo or Daley Blind this season.

Yet the Red Devils need some stability at the position. Keane could provide it after making the most of his move to Burnley.

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The 24-year-old has developed into a dependable and physically imposing central defender. Keane is a force in the air, a sure tackler on the deck and better on the ball than many would think.

Frankly, it's no wonder Keane is drawing interest from several members of the Premier League. His manager, Sean Dyche, certainly isn't surprised there is a queue forming for his talisman at the back, yet he doesn't believe the speculation is influencing Keane.

Per Goal's Chris Myson, Dyche said: "It is not rocket science to work out there's a few interested. It is the usual chit-chat. He certainly doesn't seem like he has (had his head turned)."

However, Dyche was adamant Burnley don't have to sell, thanks to a strong financial position. There wouldn't actually be much of an incentive to sell to United because of a clause in Keane's contract, according to Whitwell: "Burnley are poised to hold out for around £25million once the season finishes, but United would in effect get a discount as the club inserted a 25 per cent sell-on clause when agreeing to let Keane go in January 2015."

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United certainly wouldn't be reluctant about paying over the odds for one of their former players. After all, the Manchester club made Paul Pogba the world's most expensive player last summer after losing him for nothing to Juventus in 2012.

Keane has the ability and playing style to develop into a talisman at the back on Mourinho's watch.

United Interested in Benjamin Mendy

Keane may not be the only new face in the United back four next season. Mourinho is also reportedly keen on AS Monaco left-back Benjamin Mendy, per Yahoo Sport UK (h/t Uche Amako of the Daily Express).

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The reports say Mourinho wants Mendy as a replacement for Luke Shaw, who has not impressed his manager this season. Mendy is also said to have been on Mourinho's radar when he took over at United last summer.

However, Mendy would now cost the Red Devils £30 million after a string of impressive performances for the Ligue 1 leaders this season. The 22-year-old has been a key component of the way Monaco break down defences thanks to his engine and pace raiding the flanks.

Mendy is a direct and powerful runner, but his end product has also been impressive. The French defender has supplied eight assists in domestic and UEFA Champions League action, according to WhoScored.com.

As a dynamic athlete and an imposing physical presence, Mendy would fit what Mourinho wants in defence. He would also increase United's potency on the break.

United's defence has been solid this season, but Mourinho is still clearly intent on continuing a makeover this summer. Both Keane and Mendy would represent smart targets if United are going to construct a more intimidating back four ahead of next season.