'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
According to reports from several British newspapers, Manchester United will make a January swoop for Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin. Louis van Gaal is currently weighing up several potential signings as he looks to strengthen a depleted backline in the upcoming transfer window.
Among the other defenders rumoured to be on Van Gaal’s list are Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, Basel’s Fabian Schar, Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Aleksandar Dragovic from Dynamo Kiev.
Uruguayan Godin, who was lucky not to be sent off against England in the World Cup this summer, would be available at £28m, that is if United are willing to pay his release clause. With United’s defence so beleaguered, the club might just have to bite the bullet and fork out, especially if they are serious about qualifying for the Champions League next season.
With Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Marcus Rojo all struggling with injury, youngsters Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett and Chris Smalling have been the ones to shoulder the defensive responsibilities as United look to have curved their momentary slide.
Godin, 28, was pivotal as Atletico won the La Liga title and reached the Champions League Final last season, and has continued to impress this season too. The centre-back has scored three times in 20 games, helping maintain Atletico’s impressive defensive record, conceding just 16 times.
He’d provide ample experience to a defence under huge pressure, especially one getting to grips with van Gaal’s new tactics. Godin could be expensive, but his performances over the past two season have shown he’s worth much more than that to Atletico.
