Manchester United have reportedly outlined their intentions to move for Kostas Manolas from AS Roma, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, as quoted by the Daily Express.

The Red Devils have told Giallorossi that they are interested in a deal to sign the 27-year-old defender, who has a £32.4m release clause in his contract.

The report adds that the Italian outfit would be “powerless” to decline an offer for Manolas from the 20-time English champions in January should United trigger the clause.

However, the report goes on to claim that Roma want to keep hold of the Greece international until the end of the season as they target Champions League qualification.

The centre-back has been in immersive form for the Italian club this season and has scored once in 16 Serie A appearances.

United are likely to be linked with a number of players over the coming four weeks as the Premier League giants ponder strengthening Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad for the second half of the season.