Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has attracted interest from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

What's the story?

The Argentine was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer after failing to cement a regular spot in the first team.

A transfer failed to materialise, but the rumours have continued to rumble as he has struggled to make a mark under the leadership of manager Jose Mourinho this season.

It is believed that Leverkusen have placed the defender on their transfer wishlist, with United keen to recoup the £16m that they paid Sporting Lisbon for his services in 2014.

Rojo, who can play as a left-back or a centre-back, failed to figure in the early stages of the season, but following injuries to Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly, he has clawed his way back into the team.

Will Manchester United sell?

In short, probably. Well, as long as they get the right fee. Rojo has had a stop-start career since moving to Old Trafford due to injuries and questions over his attitude off the pitch.

A few weeks ago, many would have argued that Rojo's eventual exit was a sure thing, but he has received some praise from Mourinho since providing cover for the injury-hit defence.

The Portuguese coach described Rojo's performance at centre-back as "phenomenal" after United's EFL Cup 1-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City in October.

The 26-year-old also did a solid job at the back in the Red Devils' 1-1 draw with Arsenal, but the Daily Mail has claimed that Mourinho is keen to sign a new centre-back, and selling Rojo would provide additional funds for the transfer kitty.

He may be performing well at the moment, but when Smalling and Bailly return to full fitness, Rojo is likely to be the first defender to drop out of contention.

 

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