Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho to target David Alaba and Virgil van Dijk in January

Mourinho is hoping for yet more significant financial backing

Mourinho sent scouts to watch Alaba for Austria (Getty)

Jose Mourinho is looking to add two new defensive signings when the transfer window reopens as he attempts to strengthen his squad in January.

The Manchester United boss wants assurances from Ed Woodward that significant funds will be available for his targets, despite spending in the region of £150m in the summer.

Top of Mourinho’s wishlist is Bayern Munich’s David Alaba, who is thought to be available for £40m according to the Mirror, but he is also a target for rivals Manchester City as Pep Guardiola managed him while in charge of the German champions.

Mourinho sent scouts to watch Alaba play for Austria twice during the international break and is thought to be keen on making a bid for the 24-year-old, who can play at left-back or in a more advanced role.

The former Chelsea manager has been less than impressed with the left-backs at his disposal at Old Trafford and has twice publically criticised Luke Shaw.

He has rotated between Shaw and Daley Blind while Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian have also had spells in the full-back position.

However, with Bayern Munich still involved in Europe in the New Year, they are highly likely to rebuff any approach for Alaba, meaning Mourinho may have to wait until the summer.

The Red Devils are also keen on Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk but will need to spend a similar amount to the £30m they spent to bring Eric Bailly to Old Trafford.

Mourinho wants more central defensive options with Bailly, who is currently out injured, set to be unavailable for most of January due to his involvement with Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.