Diego Godin never signed a new Atletico Madrid contract in the summer and Manchester United are back in the hunt to sign him, claims The Daily Mirror.
Godin emerged as a surprise £20m transfer target for United in the summer but the Uruguay international could not be tempted away by Jose Mourinho.
Atletico were expected to reward Godin with a bumper new deal as a result of United’s interest but the Spanish side are yet to tie down the 32-year-old.
Mourinho wants to sign an experienced defender in January following United’s woes at the back this season.
The United manager lamented the club’s inability to strengthen at the back in the summer and is now interested in reuniting with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill.
Godin is still expected to pen new terms with Atletico but United are monitoring talks closely ahead of the January transfer window.
He will only have six months to run on his current Atletico deal in January and will be free to negotiate a summer exit with other clubs.
Godin is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world but has endured a mixed season with Atletico thus far.
In fact, only Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (3) has committed more errors leading to goal than Godin (2) of all outfielders in La Liga this term.
