Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho remains keen on Southampton defender Jose Fonte.
The Sun says Mourinho must sell before launching a raid for Fonte.
Mourinho wanted the Southampton centre-half in the summer but the deal did not go through.
United are able to afford a £10million package for Portugal star Fonte, 32, but it rests on Mourinho trimming one defender from his squad.
Marcos Rojo, 26, is most at risk if a buyer can be found for the Argentina international.