According to reports in The Independent, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is lining up a £25m move for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier after struggling to get a deal for Monaco’s Fabinho done.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Red Devils manager Mourinho has been looking to sign a new right-back and defensive midfielder this summer, according to The Independent, and he saw Fabinho as the ideal option as the Brazilian is able to play in both positions.

However, The Independent says that the Ligue 1 champions have proven to be tough negotiators with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Tiemoue Bakayoko already leaving the club for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively this summer, and they believe that the 23-year-old could potentially be worth more than £40m.

With a deal proving difficult, The Independent says that Mourinho is ready to turn his attentions to a £25m deal for Aurier, with the 24-year-old looking to leave PSG before the start of the new season.

How did Aurier do last season?

Despite a number of issues in the past – the Ivory Coast international was suspended by the French giants in February 2016 after publicly criticising Angel Di Maria and former manager Laurent Blanc – Aurier found himself back in the first team reckoning last term.

The 24-year-old made 32 appearances in all competitions – providing five assists – but he was refused entry to the UK for his side’s Champions League fixture against Arsenal in November because of a previous assault conviction against a policeman.

The right-back made his name at the 2014 World Cup for his country with some dazzling attacking displays, and while he does love to get forward, he is also strong defensively.

Would he be a good signing for United?

He certainly could be, yes.

If Mourinho is looking for a right-back that he can rely on to have an impact at both ends of the pitch, then Aurier is certainly one of the best candidates on the market at the moment.

While he may have had his problems in the past, the 24-year-old still has plenty of time to develop and mature and he would be able to do that with a new start under the leadership of the Portuguese boss.

Is a move for Aurier likely?

Well, United could be looking at Aurier to force Monaco’s hand over Fabinho, but it wouldn’t be too much of a shock to see them snap up the Ivorian seeing as he wants out at PSG.

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