Manchester United are planning to strengthen their side with a swoop for German World Cup winning duo Benedikt Höwedes and Julian Draxler.
The Red Devils have conceded 13 goals in their first nine Premier League games under Louis van Gaal. A new defender or two is understood to be the main priority for the Dutch manager during the January tranfer window.
Höwedes is experienced both with the German national team at international level and with Schalke in the UEFA Champions League.
German newspaper Bild are citing Goal as to Manchester United’s interest in the Royal Blues duo.
The report goes as far to say that United have sent scouts to observes both the Schalke 04 captain and their highly-rated 21-year old attacking midfielder who has been targeted by a number of top clubs around Europe.
Julian Draxler came through the youth system at the Gelsenkirchen club, breaking into the first team during the 2010-11 season and remaining a regular in the first-team ever since.
Last summer the youngster renewed his contract with his hometown club until the end of the 2017-18 season with a €45 million (£35m) buyout clause. Earlier this year Arsenal appeared to be closing in on Draxler but a deal never materialised.
Benedikt Höwedes too came through the youth system at Schalke, becoming a regular during the 2008-09 season after initially playing for the reserve team.
He has made 170 Bundesliga as a one-club man.
With Schalke 04 battlin for UEFA Champions League football each season, a move abroad to a bigger club like Manchester United could be an option for both of these players.
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