Jose Mourinho identifies his No.1 January transfer target: report

Jose Mourinho will place emphasis on securing the services of Tottenham Hotspur left-back Danny Rose over the January transfer window, according to reports.

The Englishman provoked speculation surrounding a potential move away over the summer after criticising his current club’s lack of ambition whilst voicing a desire to play up north at some point in his career.

Manchester United’s need for a proper left-back this season has been highlighted by Ashley Young – a 32-year-old winger – serving as a better option than Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian or Daley Blind.

And according to the Independent‘s Miquel Delaney, Mourinho has identified Rose, who has struggled to make an impact on Mauricio Pochettino’s side since returning from injury, as a primary option over the January transfer window.

The Portuguese wants to address his attacking options at Old Trafford in order to compete with Manchester City, expressing interest in the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Carlos Soler and Mesut Ozil, but is mindful of the more immediate requirement of a reliable left-back capable of playing on a regular basis.

He will sideline bids for the aforementioned attacking trio until the summer and instead pour his resources into signing Rose, which could entail letting Shaw head the other way.