Report: Manchester United Target Milan Skriniar, Alessio Romagnoli Transfers

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wants the club to move for Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar and AC Milan's Alessio Romagnoli in the January transfer window.

According to Rob Dawson of ESPN, the Red Devils boss wants the club to give him their full backing in the mid-season market and try to secure deals for two of the best defenders in Serie A.

"Privately, United have brushed off talk of appointing former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane as Mourinho's replacement, but sources have told ESPN FC that Mourinho wants public support with money to spend during the window—funds he believes he should have been given in the summer," Dawson wrote.

The Old Trafford outfit have had a difficult beginning to the campaign and sit in eighth place in the Premier League. The pressure on the coach and team was eased on Saturday, though, as they recovered from two goals down to earn a memorable 3-2 win over Newcastle United.

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The report noted Mourinho was keen to spend £100 million in the summer ahead of this term. While the likes of Fred and Diogo Dalot arrived, the Red Devils failed to land a central defender.

The signs have been that their inability to secure a new man at the back will hinder their hopes of a prosperous finish this season:

According to Dawson, Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng, Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin and Tottenham Hotspur's Toby Alderweireld were on the club's agenda, although none of that trio arrived. Now it appears Mourinho has two other targets in mind.

Dawson noted that both Romagnoli and Skriniar are 23 and reported that "[Mourinho] is hopeful the board will be more open to purchasing a younger player." Each is said to be valued around £40 million.

Skriniar and Romagnoli would represent fine acquisitions, as they've each showcased immense promise in their careers.

The former was a colossal presence in the defensive third for the Nerazzurri last term:

In addition, the Slovakian is dynamic, intelligent and calm on the ball, making him an ideal fit for most teams in the elite bracket in European football.

Romagnoli has been at Milan for three years after joining from Roma and has blossomed into an excellent defender. On the left of a two- or three-man defence, he is physical, elegant and reads the game brilliantly.

Rafael Hernandez of Barcelona fansite Grup14 commented on Milan's strong defensive options:

It'd be a surprise if either Inter or Milan were ready to accept £40 million for either of their star defenders, as they're two of the best young players in their respective positions in the game.

As things stand, United appear in a mess defensively, and Mourinho will have to sort out matters on the training pitch. If he doesn't, he may not be around to get a say as to whom the team should target in January.