Andreas Granqvist has confirmed Manchester United are interested in signing him but have yet to make an offer.
The 33-year-old former Wigan Athletic centre-back has been key to Sweden’s impressive defensive record and captained his country at the World Cup forming a partnership with United’s Victor Lindelof.
Jose Mourinho wanted United to sign a commanding centre-back with good technical ability in the summer and the position has proved problematic this season.
However, talk of United’s interest in 6ft 4ins Granqvist still prompted surprise. He currently plays for and captains second-division side Helsingborgs in his homeland.
‘There is indeed interest,’ Granqvist told Expressen. ‘This time there is a kernel of truth (to the transfer rumours).
‘I am honoured that I am linked to such a large club, and if there is a concrete offer in January, then both the club and I will accept that, but that is currently not the case.’
United have a number of options they are considering but are understood to have discussed the possibility of taking Granqvist on loan until the end of the season.
Much may depend on Mourinho’s future and whether one of their other preferred targets becomes available in January.
United asked about Harry Maguire, Jerome Boateng, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yerry Mina and Diego Godin, among others, during a fruitless summer.
Mourinho has tried a number of defensive combinations involving Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Lindelof and Eric Bailly, all with little success.
Midfielders Ander Herrera and Scott McTominay have also been used there while Bailly was hauled off at the weekend as the United boss utilised Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in deep-lying defensive roles.
Marcos Rojo has still to return to action after a knee injury and calf strain but hopes to be available to face Chelsea and Juventus after the international break.
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