The transfer rumours really have died down since the start of the World Cup.

You can understand why, with the majority of world-class players actually playing at the tournament and clubs using the games in Russia to scout potential targets.

Some players have already put themselves in the shop window, with Russia's Aleksandr Golovin already being identified as a potential signing by Europe's elite.

Manchester United have been rumoured to be one to the clubs, but after the signing of Brazilian sensation Fred from Shakhtar Dontesk, their efforts are likely to be focused elsewhere.

Defence is likely to be Jose Mourinho's number one priority for now and there have been a lot of big names already linked to Old Trafford.

Toby Alderweireld, Alex Sandro and Raphael Varane to name a few, with Alderweireld's arrival thought to be a formality at one point.

However, Tottenham significantly upped their asking price for the 29-year-old to around £75m.

He's good, but maybe not that good...

But, it seems United have been handed a very welcomed lifeline in their pursuit of a world-class centre-back.

As reported by Manchester Evening News, Mourinho and United have been told they can sign Jerome Boateng for a fee of around £50m.

The deal looks perfect in so many ways. He's won a plethora of trophies in Germany, everyone knows he's one of the best in the business and he'd cost £25m less than Alderweireld despite being the same age.

The report even states that Bayern Munich would be willing to go as low £43m, which really would be great value.

One downside to the proposed deal would be Boateng's persistent hamstring injuries, which did plague his 2017/18 season.

It also remains to be seen whether he would consider the red half of Manchester after previously playing for Manchester City in 2010/11.

Although, he didn't exactly flourish at the Etihad, so his attachment to the club surely wouldn't bring a halt to the move.