Arsenal also interested in Jose Fonte of Southampton, United dazed

 United is prepared to offer flop Marcos Rojo to Southampton as part of their bid to prise captain Jose Fonte away from the south coast.

However, there seem to be a twist to the whole gig as United boss Jose Mourinho now faces competition from Arsenal for his acquisition of Fonte. Mourinho eyes the 32-year-old centre-half to add experience to his team.

The Euro 2016 winner is keen on the move, despite being offered a new contract by the Saints which would make him their highest-paid player.

Gunners who are apparently injury-struck are also shopping for a defender, with Per Mertesacker out until December and Gabriel also sidelined for six to eight weeks. A  £16m buy Rojo from Sporting Lisbon two years ago when Louis van Gaal was manager, struggled to nail down a starting place under the Dutchman and was an unused sub for Sunday's season-opening win at Bournemouth.