Manchester United are planning a move for Borussia Dortmund midfield Axel Witsel, according to ESPN (h/t Metro).

The Belgian joined Borussia Dortmund at the start of the season from China and has been a success with three goals and an assist so far.

The 29-year-old has helped Dortmund to the top of the Bundesliga, and the report adds that Jose Mourinho personally scouted the midfielder during the international break.

Witsel spent four years at Zenit St Petersburg before joining Tianjin Quanjian in the Chinese Super League, and United were unsure about signing him back then. The report claims that the Red Devils prioritised signing Fred in the summer, despite being interested in the Belgian.

United have had a tough season so far and their performances haven’t been great. Returning from the international break, the Red Devils drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace at home, and it was the away side that had the better chances in the game.

Jose Mourinho didn’t sign many players in the summer and a number of our stars have been inconsistent.

We could do with some fresh signings in the winter window, but the report claims that Witsel is a target for next summer as the club does not believe they can sign him in January.

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The 29-year-old has proved he still has a lot of quality in him, and it will be interesting to see if we push ahead with his transfer at the end of the season.