DIMITAR BERBATOV has told former club Manchester United to sign at least one centre-back in the January transfer window.
United boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be keen on bringing in a new central defender and was left disappointed when the club failed to get him one in the summer.
He has been linked with a move for Toby Alderweireld as he could be available on the cheap in January because of a clause in his contract.
Alderweireld will be available for £24.5million in July – a huge reduction on the £60m they were said the be demanding when United were interested last summer.
However, Berbatov urged United to flex their financial muscle in the winter window – even if that means bringing in two centre-backs to help Mourinho’s struggling side.
“In every other position they have several quality players and everything they need, so just defence needs reinforcing.
“Hopefully they can find one or two and then they should be okay.
“It’ll be more difficult in the winter transfer window then the summer one to make signings for Mourinho but he should be able to find one person he wants to bring in.
“So if there is someone he wants to bring in the board should listen to him because it’s obvious that the club aren’t perfect right now and aren’t in the position that they want to be in.
“They need to improve on that, if it means bringing one or two people, it shouldn’t be a problem.
“I mean it’s not like Manchester United are short of money.”
United are currently eighth in the Premier League table – seven points off the Champions League places and a further four behind leaders and rivals Manchester City.
Mourinho will reportedly be given a £100million transfer budget to ry and turn their fortunes around.
As well as a host of centre-backs, including Harry Maguire and Jerome Boateng, they have been linked with a stunning move for Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.
They are also said to be monitoring Brazilian forward Everton Soares, who recently hinted he might be keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Source:www.express.co.uk