With the January transfer window now under two months away, Manchester United are starting to form their transfer strategies.

That has seen the club identify a number of possible targets for the window, focusing specifically on defensive positions alongside striker.

Forwards Ivan Toney and Vitor Roque have attracted renewed interest from the Red Devils ahead of the winter window.

Looking more defensively, Rayan Ait-Nouri has been frequently mentioned, with United reportedly keen to sign the left-back during the upcoming window.

Fellow left-back David Raum has also been identified, with RB Leipzig setting a low price tag, whilst Nnamdi Collins has caught Manchester United’s eye.

It is Koni de Winter that has now been named in the media, however, with Caught Offside reporting that United, alongside Liverpool and Chelsea, are battling for the defender.

The report has also claimed that scouts from Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, and Brentford have all been to watch him.

De Winter, who plays in the centre-back position, has played 14 games for AC Milan this season across all competitions, becoming a consistent figure in Ruben Amorim’s playing squad.

Koni de Winter has attracted interest from Manchester United before, with the Red Devils said to be interested in a move back in 2025 before he joined AC Milan.

Such a move now looks to be more complicated, given the large range of sides that have entered the heavily congested line of possible suitors.

United’s defensive performances have come under large scrunity so far this season with Michael Carrick’s side conceding 12 goals in their last five games.

Shoreing up in defensive quarters could prove pivotal for the Red Devils in January if they are to succeed in the second half of the season.

It remains unclear whether Manchester United will decide to focus their efforts on moves in the left-back position, though, a position they came especially close to signing in during the summer window.

This race appears to be in its early developments. For now, a rush is not required. Instead, United can take their time in deciding what to do.