With Victor Lindelof’s move to Manchester United reportedly hitting a major delay, Jose Mourinho and his Red Devils may be forced to look at other options if they are to strengthen the defence at Old Trafford this month.

Man United are without Eric Bailly for the month of January and Chris Smalling hasn’t hit peak form this season and that leaves them with just Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, and while the duo have formed an excellent partnership, signing another quality defender would go a long way in the fight to qualify for the Champions League.

Lindelof isn’t the only star defender within Man United’s grasp, though. There are other options out there for Mourinho both in the long and short-term.

Here are FIVE better options than Lindelof for Manchester United in this transfer window…

Jose Fonte

Given that United have invested heavily in the long-term futures of Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, it may be that all the Old Trafford club need is an experienced hand to provide cover and guide these younger players to become even better.

One man who could provide such a short-term solution is Jose Fonte at Southampton. At 33, Fonte has seen it all in the game and his leadership qualities with the Saints have been clear for all to see.

He’s a fine defender too and more than a match for most Premier League attackers.

Kostas Manolas

Despite being just 25, Kostas Manolas has already made 270 career league appearances in Greece and Italy. He’s been in fine form for Roma this season, helping them to six clean sheets in 20 appearances for the club.

A Greek international with 27 caps, Manolas is quick, strong in the air and has the ability to play his way out of defence, sparking attacks in the midfield.

He fits the bill.

Marquinhos

Marquinhos is one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders. At the age of just 22 he’s won ten major honours across two continents, won an Olympic gold medal and broken into the Brazil national team.

The PSG man wouldn’t come cheap but as a long-term investment he fits the bill at Manchester United with his exceptional defensive play and also his ability to play his way out of defence into the midfield outstanding.

Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte is one of the brightest young defensive talents in La Liga. That was highlighted by the fact Bilbao offered him a bumper new contract in the summer and placed a significant transfer release clause in it.

The young Frenchman is on the verge of a full international cap for France after being called up to recent squads.

If United can get in early on his signature they’d be securing a much-coveted talent and stealing a march on other massive clubs, one of which he will no likely end up at one day.

Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane has not been getting as regular a game as he’d like at Real Madrid this season and is too good a player to be wasted sitting on the bench.

Despite being on the Real Madrid scene for five and a half seasons now, he’s still just 23 and would no doubt improve the Man United first-team.

A move for him would mean that Mourinho would have four young defenders yet to reach their prime at his disposal, but all established enough to play regular first-team football.