Manchester United are in talks with Fiorentina for Nikola Milenkovic.

La Repubblica says former manager Jose Mourinho appeared to have identified the 21-year-old centre-back as the man to solve his defensive woes at Old Trafford.

And despite Mourinho's sacking, United are still pressing ahead to complete a deal.

And it goes on to state officials have been locked in talks with Milenkovic's agent throughout the Christmas period in order to get the transfer over the line.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward wants to bring in reinforcements to help boost interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's quest to secure a top four spot.

But the club are not expected to spend too heavily once the window re-opens, preferring instead to get the majority of funds for their next permanent boss.