MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United's hopes of signing a centre-back before the transfer deadline rest on clubs and agents lowering their demands, sources have told ESPN FC.
Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his desire to add a central defender to his squad, but sources insist United are adamant they will not be held to ransom in the final hours of the window and are prepared to start the season with the squad they have.
Here's where United stand on their various defensive candidates with less than 24 hours to the deadline.
Jerome Boateng
Sources said Mourinho is still keen to sign Jerome Boateng from Bayern Munich, despite reports in Germany that the 29-year-old does not want to move to Old Trafford and would prefer to go to Paris Saint-Germain.