Reports: Manchester United and Juventus interested in signing £58m La Liga defender

What's the story?

Manchester United have an abundance of options in the centre-back position but injuries and inconsistent performances have caused Jose Mourinho no end of problems with selection. Eric Bailly and Phil Jones began the season well before getting injured and Marcos Rojo is yet to be fully reinstated to the team after returning from an injury.

Amidst United's current quandary, reports from Sky Sports have emerged linking Manchester United with a transfer move for Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez. Atletico are reportedly willing to sell the defender to United for a sum close to his £58 million release clause.

In case you didn't know...

Gimenez began his professional career at Danubio FC in the Uruguayan Primera División. He spent a year at the club and made 16 appearances before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2014. Since joining Atleti, the youngster has made over a hundred appearance and has even managed to chip in offensively with 5 goals. Gimenez has won one La Liga title and one Supercopa De Espana during his time in Madrid.

The heart of the matter

Gimenez has only made six appearances in the league, with the centre-back pairing of veteran defender Godin and 26-year-old Stefan Savic being preferred. Gimenez is still young but doesn't lack for talent, and a move away could benefit him greatly.

United will have to face a fair bit of competition for the defender though and both Juventus and Inter Milan have shown interest. United attempted to sign Gimenez in the summer, but for a while, it appeared as though their chances of signing him had all but vanished, with the defender signing a new contract with Atleti.

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Author's Take

Gimenez is a young and capable defender who could strike up a good partnership with Eric Bailly. United have too may centre-backs at the moment and signing Gimenez could allow them to free up space on their roster by letting go of some players. However, Juventus have been doggedly pursuing the defender in the past few weeks and United will have to come up with an enticing offer for Atletico.