Report: Mourinho targeting Skriniar, Romagnoli as January reinforcements

Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to show their support by sanctioning January moves for Inter center-back Milan Skriniar and AC Milan counterpart Alessio Romagnoli, sources told ESPN FC's Rob Dawson.

United reportedly vetoed Mourinho's previous requests for defensive reinforcements, most notably Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng and Leicester City's Harry Maguire. The Guardian's Daniel Taylor relayed in August that United weren't prepared to sign the 30-year-old Boateng, whose injury record and age were considered warning signs. Maguire's reported £70-million price tag also caused the board to bristle.

Sources told ESPN FC that Mourinho is hopeful that United would feel more comfortable signing Skriniar and Romagnoli, who are both 23.

Dawson believes they are valued at £40 million each, although Inter and Milan would likely demand much more due to the players' status at their respective clubs. Skriniar has emerged as one of the best center-backs in Serie A, and Romagnoli became Milan's captain after the departure of Leonardo Bonucci.

What's clear is the need for improvements to United's backline. Mourinho admitted last week his defenders don't have the "technical quality" to start moves from the back or the intensity to meet his demands.

Victor Lindelof, whom Mourinho signed ahead of his second season at Old Trafford, has yet to earn the manager's trust. Eric Bailly, meanwhile, was substituted just 19 minutes into last Saturday's wild comeback win over Newcastle United. There are also questions about Phil Jones and Chris Smalling's future at the club.