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Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to agree cut-price deal for Tottenham star Toby Alderweireld

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Manchester United are ready to revive their interest in the Tottenham star (Picture: Getty)

Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to agree a cut-price deal for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld in January, reports say.

Mourinho identified Belgium international Alderweireld as a top target last summer but United baulked at Tottenhams £75million valuation.

The Red Devils boss subsequently criticised Uniteds transfer dealings as only Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant arrived through the doors at Old Trafford.

After a poor start to the season – Manchester United fell 12 points adrift of Premier League leaders Man City last weekend – Mourinho will look to strengthen his squad in January.

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The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager wants to bring some more attacking talent to the club but a top-class defender is at the top of his wish-list.

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Despite missing out on Alderweireld in the summer, the Evening Standard say Mourinho remains a huge admirer of the 29-year-old and is keen to secure his signature.

United are aware the Belgian star could be signed for just £25million next summer and this, it is claimed, could provide an opportunity for a compromise between the Premier League clubs.

The Red Devils expressed interest in signing Harry Maguire from Leicester City in the summer but the England man signed a contract extension just weeks after the deadline closed.

Jose Mourinho wants to sign a top defender in January (Picture: Getty)

Woodward is ready to back Mourinho in January despite the clubs perceived stagnation under the Portuguese manager.

Asked about Manchester Uniteds shaky start to the 2018-19 campaign, Woodward said: On the pitch we remain well-positioned in the Champions League.

Although weve had a mixed start to our domestic campaign, the squad and the manager are fully united in their determination to regain our momentum in the Premier League.

Following the international break, the Red Devils welcome relegation-battlers Crystal Palace to the Theatre of Dreams.