Mourinho wants a new central defender, but who could Man United sign?

Jose Mourinho has made it clear that he wants a new centre-back in his squad for January.

This was an issue in the summer, when he chased a handful of central defenders only to come out of the window with no additions in that position. That may change in January.

Here Sportsmail weighs up some of the options studied by Manchester United's scouting department ahead of the next transfer window.

HARRY MAGUIRE

Leicester City

Value: £75million

The 25-year-old is highly-rated by Leicester and they don't wish to sell In January. United tried last summer but the price was too high. Maguire is keen to play for a top club though he would cost close to a British record fee.

ISSA DIOP

West Ham

Value: £60m

The 21-year-old former Toulouse captain impressed Mourinho in West Ham's win over United in October. Youth may work against him being Mourinho's immediate choice and West Ham would want to treble their £22m summer outlay.

MILAN SKRINIAR

Inter Milan

Value: £90m

The 23-year-old Slovakian has still to agree terms on a new contract and his reputation is growing. Once targeted by Tony Pulis for West Brom, Skriniar can count United, Juventus and Barcelona among his admirers now.

JOACHIM ANDERSEN

Sampdoria

Value: £28m

United scouts watched the 6ft 4ins Denmark international earlier this month against Torino, though it was far from his best performance. Arsenal, Tottenham, Juventus and Inter Milan have all discussed the 22-year-old in recent months.

NIKOLA MILENKOVIC

Fiorentina

Value: £35m

Mourinho watched Milenkovic in October and knows the 6ft 3ins defender can play at centre-back or right-back. Hailed as the next Nemanja Vidic, the 21-year-old has great potential but is still considered a bit raw.

KALIDOU KOULIBALY

Napoli

Value: £80m

Powerhouse Senegal international defender that most of Europe's elite clubs covet. Koulibaly is happy at Napoli and won't be allowed to leave in January unless a ridiculous bid is received. United have tried to lure him before.

JEAN-CLAIR TODIBO

Toulouse

Value: £20m/Free

Though not as polished as another teenager that United like, Ajax's Matthias de Ligt, Todibo is considerably cheaper. He replaced Issa Diop at Toulouse and is still to agree a professional contract, alerting clubs such as Liverpool and Wolves.

ALESSIO ROMAGNOLI

AC Milan

Value: £55m

Milan's captain was wanted by Chelsea last summer and is on United's list. Stylish and left-footed, he could give United the balance they crave but would still take time to adjust to the Premier League and Mourinho may not have the patience.

NATHAN AKE

Bournemouth

Value: £40m

Has had an impressive start to the season and is gaining admirers across the Premier League. Can also play at left-back or defensive midfield but Bournemouth are reluctant to consider offers before the summer. Chelsea also have a buy-back option.

TOBY ALDERWEIRELD

Tottenham Hotspur

Value: £45m

The Belgium international has one year left on his contract and Tottenham have an option to extend with a £25m release clause then kicking in for a two week period. United have long been credited with an interest but have not followed up any enquiries.

ANDREAS GRANQVIST

Helsingborgs

Value: £8m

The 33-year-old insists United have been in contact with his agent Martin Dahlin over a possible loan move to Old Trafford. He's 6ft 4ins, strong at set pieces and organising but is more long-shot than long-term. Could tide United over until summer.