Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho eyes Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey if Henrikh Mkhitaryan bid fails

The Portuguese has isolated central midfield as a critical area of his Old Trafford redevelopment

Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock swoop to sign Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal if efforts to lure Henrikh Mkhitaryan away from Borussia Dortmund stall.

Jose Mourinho has highlighted midfield as an area key to his Old Trafford redevelopment and is optimistic his latest offer, believed to be in the region of £28m, will be enough to convince Dortmund to sell Mkhitaryan.

The Bundesliga outfit are growing increasingly concerned about an exodus following the departures of Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan to Bayern Munich and Manchester City respectively.

But, according to The Sun, Mourinho is prepared to test their resolve by moving onto other targets, namely Arsenal’s Welsh midfielder Ramsey.

After a slow start, the 25-year-old is now making a name for himself at the European Championship by helping Wales to finish above England in first place in Group B. Chris Coleman’s side will face Northern Ireland in the round-of-16.

Last week, Mkhitaryan’s agent said it would be a “sin” to stop talking to United despite Dortmund’s best efforts keep the Armenian international.

“It would be a sin to stop talking,” said Mino Raiola, the player’s agent. “I am a positive guy. If I wasn't confident of reaching some kind of conclusion, I wouldn't try.”

Mourinho, who will be unveiled officially as United boss next month, has already secured the £30m acquisition of defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal but is keen to add some extra midfield steel to his new squad.