Manchester United have been installed as early favourites to sign Everton defender Seamus Coleman. The 27-year-old was a target for Jose Mourinho even when the manager was at Chelsea. Now, it seems that the time may have come for Mourinho to finally get his man. United may have to part without £20 million and this may prove to be the stumbling block.

Coleman continues to be one of the best players at Everton even though several managerial reins have passed through Goodison Park. Coleman was first linked with Chelsea a few years back, but the interest never materialised into a concrete offer.

It is reported that Manchester United representatives were at Goodison Park in order to witness Coleman, although it could also have been to watch striker Romelu Lukaku in action. Both players have been linked with United in the last few weeks. The latter has been keen on joining a Champions League team for quite a while and his recent goal-scoring form could just be the impetus for clubs like United to sign him.

Lukaku has been at Everton since 2014 and Chelsea were very keen on signing him during the summer. Everton prevented any interest from going higher by slapping an asking price of £80 million on the player.

Coleman could potentially become the ‘Baines’ at right back if he decides to turn down any interest from top clubs like United in favour of staying at Goodison Park. Leighton Baines is probably the last of the top England defenders to have not joined an elite club. After having scored two goals in the last six games, Coleman will probably even fit into the description of a winger. He will be a perfect replacement for Antonio Valencia at Manchester United.

Valencia has been the preferred right back under José Mourinho, but it should always be remembered that it is not his natural position. Mourinho is a perfectionist when it comes to setting his team and this includes playing the best players in each position. Valencia may provide the thrust going forward, but he is susceptible to some mistakes at the back even though he has been playing in this position for a number of years now. As an out and out defender, Coleman will be providing a lot of strength to the defence.

He will also allow Luke Shaw to gallop forward much more than he does now. Mourinho always prefers only one of his fullbacks to push on. Only in very demanding circumstances does he consider the probability of two fullbacks bombing forward. Several bookmakers have placed Coleman has 2/1 to Old Trafford and it is very likely the transfer could happen in January.