Manchester United hope to bring in two defenders before transfer deadline day, with Southampton’s Jose Fonte, 32, and Monaco’s Brazil international Fabinho, 22, the leading candidates.

But the Daily Record claims the attempts to strengthen the centre and right side of Jose Mourinho’s back four remain dependent on convincing at least two senior squad members to leave Old Trafford on permanent or season-long transfers.

Ideally, United will add both an experienced central defender and an elite-level right back toMourinho’s squad.

The Portuguese wants to add quality and height in both positions, with Southampton captain Jose Fonte and AS Monaco’s athletic Brazil international Fabinho leading candidates for thetwo roles.

Fonte, the subject of a £9million offer from Everton earlier in the summer transfer window, has asked Southampton to honour a gentleman’s agreement that he be allowed to leave the South Coast club should the 32-year-old be offered significantly superior financial terms elsewhere.

Earlier this month the Portugal international stated that he felt “flattered to be associated with a club like Manchester United”.

Regarded as one of the best right backs in the European game, the 1m88-tall Fabinho has been aware of Mourinho’s interest in him throughout a summer in which he helped Monaco qualify for the Champions League group stage.

The 22-year-old has been told that a transfer could still go before Wednesday’s deadline. “With the Champions League it’s not bad staying at Monaco,” said Fabinho last week. “I’m not certainof staying, but at the same time, there’s more of a chance of me staying than leaving.”

In an effort to make room for the new central defender, United have been working on a deal to sell Marcos Rojo to Valencia as one replacement for Arsenal-bound Shkodran Mustafi.

Meanwhile, United are considering a £1million move for Sheffield United’s highly-rated young forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to the Daily Mail.

The 19-year-old was a target for Everton earlierin the summer but the move fell through.

United need players to bolster their youth ranks as they participate in the Premier League International Cup this season and have identified Calvert-Lewin as a player who can strengthen their squad and develop.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is leaning on more experienced players to help guide the Bramall Lane club out of League One this season, though Calvert-Lewin also has interest from Championship sides keen to take him on loan.

The Sheffield-born teenager had an impressive spell at Northampton last term. He scored eight goals in 26 appearances in the first half of the campaign for the Cobblers, who ran away with the League Two title under the charge of now Blades boss Wilder.