Manchester United prioritise signing of Barcelona defender

Manchester United have reportedly prioritised the signing of Barcelona's Yerry Mina before the Premier League transfer window closes on August 9.

Since the close of last season, Jose Mourinho has highlighted the need for a new centre-back but United have not managed to pursue their prior targets.

Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld had initially been the prime option to bolster the heart of their backline but his £55m price tag has proved a stumbling block for the Red Devils.

On the other hand, United have also shown a keen interest in signing Harry Maguire from Leicester City, though the Foxes are said to have no ambition of parting ways with the centre-back.

Amidst this, Sky Sports News reports that Mina is now the prime target for United with a fee of around £30m likely to be sufficient to do business with Spanish champions Barcelona.

Mina had a tough introduction to European football after joining the Catalan giants from Palmeiras last winter but he has still managed to garner interest after his strong showing for Colombia at the World Cup.

The South American nation only managed to reach the round of 16 stage but Mina made a name for himself after becoming only the second player in World Cup history to score three-headed goals in a single edition.