MANCHESTER United is stepping up its attempts to sign Jerome Boateng from Bayern Munich, sources have told ESPN FC.

Jose Mourinho is desperate to sign a center-back before Thursday’s transfer deadline, and with potential deals for Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld not coming off, United has turned its attention to the Germany international.

Mourinho warned Sunday he faces a “difficult” season if executive vice chairman Ed Woodward cannot add to the squad before the first game of the season against Leicester on Friday.

He wants a central defender and a right winger but is willing to accept just one new arrival.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Boateng, who played 45 minutes against United on Sunday, wants to leave Bayern this summer after seven years at the Allianz Arena.

The German champions are open to offers but want a fee in the region of 50 million pounds (US$64 million). Sources have told ESPN FC United is hopeful of negotiating that down.

Woodward has so far refused to meet asking prices for Maguire or Alderweireld, and Boateng, who will be 30 next month, is considered to be a more straightforward deal.

The defender, who spent one season at Manchester City, has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain but sources have told ESPN FC the French side is yet to make a formal bid.

Should Boateng arrive, it is likely to signal the end of Marcos Rojo’s time at Old Trafford.

The Argentina international has been linked with a move to Everton and did not travel to Munich with the rest of the squad Sunday.

Anthony Martial’s future is also uncertain after he also failed to make the trip to Germany.

He returned to training Friday after leaving the tour of the United States and missing a week while he attended the birth of his son in Paris.

(SD-Agencies)