Manchester United are eyeing a cut-price summer swoop for Atletico Madrid central defender Diego Godin, according to Spanish outlet AS, via the Manchester Evening News.

What's the story, then?

The report claims that Jose Mourinho wants Godin, who is currently at the World Cup where he has captained Uruguay to maximum points in Group A, setting up a last 16 clash with Portugal without his side conceding a goal.

They go on to say that the 32-year-old could be available for as little as £18m this summer because he only has one year left on his current deal with the Europa League winners, raising United's hopes of grabbing a bargain.

The report also says that United retain an interest in Toby Alderweireld, but are tempted by a move for Godin if he expresses a desire to leave Spain

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Godin is as good as any defender around

Atletico have been the masters of defensive organisation for a number of years, and Uruguay are displaying similar ruggedness so far in their World Cup campaign.

At 32, Godin would be a signing for the short-term but there is an argument that he is the world's best central defender - perhaps with Georgio Chiellini for company.

He and Mourinho are from the same school of bloody-minded desire to keep the ball out of the net and win at all costs; at £18m it is a no-brainer.