Man Utd could reignite pursuit for star defender after his club put 'him up for sale'

Manchester United could reignite an old pursuit for a star defender after his club 'put him up for sale' ahead of the transfer window reopening.

The January transfer window will give Ruben Amorim his first chance to recruit his own players, having inherited a squad from Erik ten Hag.

Man United have already 'made an offer' to solve a problematic position ahead of the transfer window.

Amorim could be in the market for a new centre-back amid his side's defensive frailties, having shipped in nine goals in the last three games.

Fikayo Tomori could fit the bill, with AC Milan considering selling the defender.

That's according to Tuttosport via Football Italia, who claim Tomori could be sold as he's currently considered as a 'luxury' reserve as Matteo Gabbia and Malick Thiaw remain the preferred options at centre-back.

Man United had expressed an interest in Tomori last year and the club could revisit their pursuit if they want to strengthen their defensive options.

Tomori graduated from Chelsea's youth academy before making 27 senior appearances for the club.

However, he left Stamford Bridge to join Milan, where he has played 157 games.

But the 27-year-old could leave Italy after falling out of favour under Paulo Fonseca in the Serie A.

Man United signed two centre-backs last summer, snapping up Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

But the club may want to bolster their options with Victor Lindelof edging closer to departing Old Trafford.

Fikayo Tomori in action for AC Milan. Image: Getty

Harry Maguire, who has made 15 appearances across all competitions, has started the last two Premier League fixtures, with Amorim hailing the 31-year-old's mentality.

"He works really well - he is focused on the job and not what people say," the Red Devils boss said.

"Harry has no excuses, even if he had some tough moments. I think in that department he is an example."

Speaking after Man United's latest setback against Wolves, Maguire revealed why he believes Amorim is finding it tough at Man United.

"I think it's really tough for the manager and his team coming in because it's not like he's come in with a similar style to the old manager,' said Maguire.

"They are the opposite in terms of what they demand and what they want, so it's tough for them because they know they want to work with the team on the training pitch and improve things and the defending principles and the set piece principles."