Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin in line for £28.5million Man United move

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin is a January target for Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal

Manchester United are considering a move for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin in January.

Louis van Gaal is determined to strengthen his injury-hit backline with top-quality additions and his scouts have been watching Godin.

Van Gaal has been frustrated in his attempts to land Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund and the struggling Bundesliga side are highly unlikely to part with their skipper in January.

Godin, 28, may be easier to prise from Atletico and the Uruguayan World Cup centre-half has a £28.5million escape clause in his contract with the Spanish champions, which expires in 2018.

Godin is recognised as one of the world's top defenders and fits the template of player van Gaal wants at Old Trafford as he continues his rebuilding job.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insists United still have money left in their transfer kitty despite splashing out over £150million in the summer.

He recently claimed they would only move during the January transfer window if a top target became available and Godin would be such a player.