Manchester United are ready to switch their attention from Victor Lindelof to Kostas Manolas.
According to a report in The Sun Jose Mourinho has grown tired of the stalling deal for the Benfica defender and is looking elsewhere.
News of the interest in the Roma defender could be used to force a deal out of Benfica but at £32.5m the move for Manolas makes economic sense.
Mourinho is anxious to bring in a strong central defender with his patience wearing thin as Benfica and Lindelof insert new clauses and edge the asking price up over £40m.
Manolas is in his third season with Roma after joining them in a £13m deal from Olympiacos.
The 25-year-old defender has been admired by Mourinho for some time, with extensive experience of Serie A and international football he may be the defensive solution United are looking for leaving Lindelof and Benfica high and dry.