Manchester United considering swoop for Brighton & Hove Albion defender

Manchester United are reportedly weighing an approach to sign Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Lewis Dunk at the turn of the year.

The 26-year-old has been one of the Premier League's consistent defenders over the past 16 months and he was recently rewarded with his maiden England cap during the 3-0 friendly win over the United States.

According to The Express, the Red Devils have identified Dunk as their new target to bolster the defence and they are prepared to make a move when the transfer window reopens.

Still, Brighton only committed the defender to a new long-term deal last month and they are in a strong position to ward off any interest in the player's services.

United boss Jose Mourinho had been keen on pursuing a central defender last summer but the Portuguese's requirements were not met with the board being reluctant to pay over the odds for any player.

Aside from Dunk, United have been linked with the likes of Diego Godin and Kalidou Koulibaly from Atletico Madrid and Napoli respectively with strengthening the central defence being the prime priority in January.