Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been assured he has a healthy transfer budget for the January market.

The Daily Record says Mourinho will be allowed to splash the cash on a new defender in January.

The gaffer will face no resistance from Manchester United chiefs as he seeks to further remodel his squad.

Ed Woodward is apparently willing to bankroll another costly acquisition, as well as offering significant wages.

Mourinho has been linked with Southampton stars Virgil Van Dijk and Jose Fonte.

However, he is thought to be lining up a move for a Champions League-level player in order to shore up his side.

Manchester United have kept just seven clean sheets in 22 games so far this season.

And Mourinho may reignite his interest in the likes of Raphael Varane or Diego Godin as he seeks to instill the solidity in his new team which has been a hallmark of his career elsewhere.