Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is pushing to sign Southampton skipper Jose Fonte.
The Sun says United top brass say some big-earners must be moved out before he can add to the Old Trafford playroll.
Mourinho is pressing United to allow him the defensive reinforcements he needs and is preparing a bid of around £12million for Southampton defender Fonte.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insists on trimming the squad first.
Yet Woodward has yet to secure a sale or loan deal for any of United's senior players even though Marcos Rojo and Bastian Schweinsteiger have been available all summer.
Daley Blind has played alongside summer signing Eric Bailly, but Mourinho is concerned about the Dutchman's lack of height.
Fonte, 32, is stronger in the air and has four seasons' Premier League experience with Saints.
