Manchester United is a huge admirer of Declan Rice and wants to sign the versatile West Ham defender, claims The Daily Star.
United have made a shambolic start to the season at the back and Mourinho is planning defensive reinforcements in January.
Mourinho is expected to target an experienced centre-back in the new year but the Portuguese also has his eye on Rice.
The 19-year-old is already part of an international tug-of-war between Ireland and England and now United want to test West Ham’s resolve.
Rice’s current West Ham deal is due to expire at the end of the season but the Hammers are working frantically behind the scenes in order to secure his long-term future.
The teenager is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League but has actually excelled in central midfield for West Ham this season.
Rice has made nine premier League appearances this season and they have all come in midfield, where he has garnered a WhoScored rating of 6.85.
Only Aaron Wan-Bissaka (45), Wilfred Ndidi (36) and Ruben Neves (25) have made more tackles than Rice (23) of all players aged 21 and under in the Premier League this season.
