Manchester United have been looking at several defensive signings over the last few weeks. Even though the defence is performing as good as any in the last few games, United are following up on the targets that they drew up over the last few months. There are even targets from the summer on this list, as the club aim to strengthen in some positions during the January transfer window. Southampton defender Jose Fonte was seen as a potential target for the club. Interest in the 32-year-old seems to be cooling off with United favouring younger players.

Feyenoord right-back Rick Karsdorp has emerged as the latest transfer target with the club keen on bringing him as a competition for Antonio Valencia according to the reports from the Daily Mirror. The Ecuadorian winger has been more of a right back in recent seasons. Yet, the 31-year-old has not complained much and has carried on with aplomb. However, he is on the wrong side of 30 and United would ideally like a player just about to enter into the peak of his career considering that there are several experienced players in the squad already.

Even though Jose Mourinho has the option of using Timothy Fosu-Mensah, the Dutchman does not seem to be close to a first team action at the moment. He signed a new four-year contract in the summer, but at just 18 years old, it may be awhile before he establishes himself as a first-team regular. Karsdorp would bring a right mix of experience and youth at 21 years of age. Further, he would also cost around £15 million, which is roughly the same figure that was being expected from Southampton for Fonte.

Standing at 6 feet in height, he would also fit in perfectly with Mourinho’s requirements of having at least one full-back who would be excellent in air. Karsdorp has already come up against United twice this season when they played in the Europa League. He seems to have sufficiently impressed Mourinho so much so that the club are on the verge of making an offer in January. Since making his debut for the Dutch outfit in the 2014-15 season, he has already featured in 80 matches for the club in all competitions.

This season he has been able to produce some of his best performances in the Dutch league. In the 17 appearances, he has scored one goal and made three assists.

United will have to come up with some heavy convincing in order to sign the player since he has a contract until the summer of 2020.