Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants Axel Witsel.

According to ESPN, Mourinho is hoping to nab the Borussia Dortmund midfielder in January.

The Portuguese boss even went to Belgium during the international break, with ESPN claiming it was to scout Witsel.

The Belgian defensive midfielder has played 12 Bundesliga games and four Champions League clashes for BVB this season.

He only arrived from Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian in August and signed a four-year contract, meaning he would command a huge fee.

It is unclear if United's board would spend big money on a 29-year-old, given Mourinho's transfer history at the club.

His £52 million central midfield signing, Fred, has barely played in recent weeks.