Manchester United are reportedly planning to make an approach in January for Euro Cup winning midfielder William Carvalho.

According to the reports in Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford as he continues his efforts to bolster his side. However, it seems that the Red Devils will have to make a lot of effort to secure the services of the defender as Sporting Lisbon is desperate to keep their asset at the club. Carvalho is one of the most highly rated players in Europe and has garnered a lot of attention after helping Portugal to win the Euro this summer.

His phenomenal rise made Sporting hand him a new deal earlier this year. The new contract, which will expire after four years, includes a whopping £35 million buy-out clause. During the summer the club made it clear that they will not sell the defender until his release clause is met.

Carvalho who joined Sporting in 2011, played 27 league games last term and was one of the most important players for the club. United’s Premier League rivals Everton, Leicester City and Southampton were also interested in Carvalho.

Ever since taking charge of the team, United boss has been desperate to bolster his defence. He signed Villarreal centre-back Eric Bailly this summer and he hit the ground running straight away in the opening three games. But his performance in the derby against Manchester City is an indication that he is still not ready for big games. The Portuguese tactician was also heavily linked with Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte during the summer but nothing concrete materialised.

The future of defenders Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian is looking uncertain at Old Trafford and so the Portuguese tactician is looking for some new signings. The English giants have made some big signing this summer to revive their fortunes and so the Red Devils will be hoping to sort out their defence as quickly as possible if they want to become a strong force in England and Europe once again.