Manchester United Reportedly Offered Jerome Boateng in Latest Transfer Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng.

According to MailOnline's Simon Jones, while the Red Devils have held talks with Barcelona over a potential deal for Yerry Mina, the club is said to be considering other options to strengthen their defence.

"The 29-year-old Boateng saw a move to Paris Saint-Germain stall this week, and Bayern are open to selling the Germany international," Jones reported. "Boateng did not enjoy a good [FIFA] World Cup and age is against him as United consider Bayern's asking price of £50 million."

Jones added that United's head of corporate finance, Matt Judge, was in the team's London office on Thursday and was in negotiations with Barcelona about a potential £30 million move for Mina. 

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While Boating has suffered from injury issues in recent years, he can be a colossal presence at the base of a team in the right setup. During his time at Bayern, he's been a leading figure, helping the Munich giants win six Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League in his seven years at the club.

This summer, rumours Boating will leave have flared up. Per Goal's Ronan Murphy, Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently conceded the player's agent has held talks with PSG over a potential switch:

United also appear to be on the lookout for another centre-back. Jones noted the club were linked with moves for Leicester City's Harry Maguire and Tottenham Hotspur man Toby Alderweireld earlier in the transfer window.

Manager Jose Mourinho appears to be desperate to add a leader at the back. In his previous two summers as United boss, he spent big to secure Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, although neither has convinced at Old Trafford.

Other options include Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo, although MailOnline's Jones said the latter could leave this summer.

Football journalist Tom Williams thinks United need a senior option at the back:

Boateng would undoubtedly provide that, as the Germany international is still quick, commanding and aggressive in his defensive play.

The former Manchester City man is also excellent at distributing the ball from deep:

Even so, there are concerns that accompany Boateng. Not since the 2014-15 season has he started more than 20 Bundesliga matches in one campaign, while at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he was left hopelessly exposed while playing in a high line.

For £50 million, United would be getting a defender of immense pedigree. But they would also be getting an injury-prone footballer who appears to be on a downward curve in his career. It would be a big gamble to spend so much money on Boateng as a result.