Manchester United made a late move for AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas this summer market, it has been revealed.

United manager Jose Mourinho was desperate for a new centre-half signing, but the market closed last week with no arrival secured.

Il Tempo says United registered last minute interest in Manolas before the transfer window shut last Thursday.

Mourinho was on the hunt for alternatives to Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld and Leicester's Harry Maguire after Old Trafford's suits were left unconvinced by the manager's targets.

The Greek defender, 27, had earlier said that he would jump at the chance to play for United, stating: "It's only natural you want to play for the biggest clubs, like Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich."