Manchester United aim to sign Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld in January.

The London Evening Standard says Jose Mourinho joked it was the weather that took him to Brussels on a cold and misty Thursday night – but Manchester United fans will hope there was far more purpose to his trip.

Namely Alderweireld, who started for Roberto Martinez' side in the Uefa Nations League win over Iceland.

The 29-year-old was on United's list of defensive targets in the summer, but Ed Woodward was never going to meet Tottenham's valuation, believed to be around £60m.

But Woodward is aware Alderweireld will be available for a significantly reduced price of £25.4m next summer, which could pave the way to compromise in the New Year.