Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Sampdoria defender Joachim Andersen in January.
Defensive reinforcements are understood to be Jose Mourinho's priority when the transfer window reopens, with the manager having aimed a number of thinly-veiled digs at his options at the back since their failure to strengthen that area in the summer.
The likes of Harry Maguire, Milan Skriniar and Nathan Ake have all been linked with January moves to Old Trafford, and La Repubblica reports that Mourinho has now added Andersen to his list of possible targets.
The 22-year-old has established himself as a regular in the Sampdoria first team this season, featuring in all 11 of their Serie A matches so far.
Andersen's form has alerted a number of Europe's top clubs, and United could face competition from the likes of Arsenal, Inter Milan and Juventus for his signature.
The Denmark Under-21 international could be available for around €30m (£26.2m), although Sampdoria are hoping that the interest he is generating will enable them to drive their asking price up.
Barney Corkhill
