Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is confident that the club can land Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld for £40m in the January transfer window, according to reports in the UK.

The Belgian international was a target for the Red Devils in the summer but a transfer never materialised. However, with the player’s contract running down, the Manchester club are hopeful a deal can be struck when the market reopens.

Alderweireld will be available for £25m in the summer if Spurs trigger their option to extend the centre-back’s stay for another year, and it is believed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may accept bids in January for the player above this figure.

United Chief Executive Ed Woodward has reportedly sanctioned a move for the 29-year-old next month in order to help Mourinho improve his defensive options.

The Portuguese boss has bemoaned the lack of quality centre-halves at his disposal, and it is believed he will get his wish in January with a new defender to be recruited.