Manchester United are being linked with a move for Tottenham and England left-back Danny Rose.

#Manchester United are keen to strengthen in the upcoming transfer window in a bid to close the gap in the League with local rivals, Manchester City. #Jose Mourinho is said to be in the market for a new left-back after falling out with Luke Shaw, with Shaw due to leave the club in the coming window. Antonio Valencia has found himself playing an important role for the team this year, starting many games at left-back. Mourinho will be keen on bringing in extra options at left-back and to have cover for the team, as well as building for the future.

Transfer talk fueled by recent performances

Rose, 27, is said to be open to a move to Manchester. United have been trailing Rose since the summer but due to an injury to the player and Spurs reluctance to let another key defender leave in the same window, the transfer did not occur. Rose has been out of the London side for a number of weeks this season but has returned in great form in recent weeks. Spurs for their part will be keen to keep a hold of such an important player and will not want to lose him to another Premier League rival. It is unlikely however that Spurs would be able to stop the player's head from being turned by one of the League giants. United have the funds available to tempt both the club to sell their player and to attract him with a large pay rise likely.

Potential impact

Without a doubt, Rose is one of the most important and consistent performers in the League over the past number of seasons. And this is in a League where quality left-backs are few and far between/ The potential capture of a proven international such as Rose will be seen as a mark of intent. Rose is also in a position to make the left-back position his for a number of years.

United are light on proven options at left-back and while Ashley Young has been performing well in the current campaign, both plans and fans alike will be keen to see a proven player join the club and provide extra coverage and competition for the long season ahead. Rose is playing at his full potential now and the chance to impress on an arguably larger stage will be a prospect that will be hard to turn down.

Only time will tell if Spurs are willing to let him go. They will need to ensure they have a replacement ready if Manchester tests their resolve to keep their player in the upcoming winter transfer window in January.