Manchester United preparing to make bid for Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez?

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to step up their interest in Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez.

The Red Devils have endured a mixed start to the season, largely due to their lack of quality in defence with just three clean sheets being posted in all competitions.

Those shutouts occurred against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley and Crystal Palace respectively, and some of the goals conceded can be put down to mistakes from goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Nevertheless, United have reached a stage of their development at the back where they require at least one fresh face, even before the injury issues faced by some of their current crop.

Lisandro Martinez is out in the long term with a foot injury and Raphael Varane has encountered a number of fitness problems since his arrival from Real Madrid.

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Furthermore, Victor Lindelof is currently in the final year of his contract, albeit with United possessing an option to extend his terms by an extra 12 months.

However, at a time when Harry Maguire's future also remains in doubt, head coach Erik ten Hag may need to sign at least one new player for the middle of his backline as soon as possible.

According to El Nacional, United are ready to make a formal bid for Gimenez over the coming months.

Having contributed to two La Liga titles triumphs during his stay at Atletico, the 28-year-old is a club legend, yet injury problems have contributed to him never playing more than 28 league fixtures in a single season.

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The Uruguay international missed the start of this campaign through injury before returning to impress in successive wins over Real Madrid and Osasuna.

Gimenez has since suffered another muscle injury, ruling him out of Sunday's victory over Real Sociedad, yet the latest injury has led to the report suggesting that United feel that they may have more chance of agreeing terms with their Atletico counterparts.

A proposal of €40m (£34.6m) may allegedly prove enough to convince Atletico into a sale, although United could have to generate funds from elsewhere to push on with negotiations.

In his decade at Atletico, Gimenez - who has a contract until 2028 - has made a total of 290 appearances in all competitions.