If recent reports are to be believed, then Manchester United are said to be preparing a £28.5m January move for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone has played down the speculation, but United are said to be confident of turning the centre-back's head at the start of 2015.
Here, Sports Mole discusses why £28.5m – the player's reported release clause – would be a snip for Louis van Gaal's side.
© Getty Images
Those who are students of Spanish football will not find it difficult to understand why United are said to be interested in the 28-year-old, who has a strong case to be seen as currently the best centre-back in world football.
When Godin moved to Villarreal from Nacional in 2007, it would be fair to say that the transfer did not pull up too many trees. Godin was solid at El Madrigal, but without really threatening to advance to the very top of the game.
Atletico purchased the defender for a figure in the region of £7m in August 2010 and during his four seasons at the Vicente Calderon; he has become arguably their most important player. In total, Godin has won five trophies with the capital outfit, including that famous league title - Atletico's first since 1996 - last season.
Godin was excellent during the 2012-13 campaign, but last season, he took it to another level. Diego Costa's goals and Thibaut Courtois' heroics are often seen as the main reasons for Atletico's success last term, but Godin was equally, if not more crucial to the team.
© Getty Images
Alongside Miranda, Godin formed the best centre-back partnership in European football last season, while he scored eight times in 51 games for his club. Were they goals at 2-0 or 3-0 when the game was dead? Not a bit of it.
He scored the equaliser at Barcelona that ultimately won Atletico the La Liga title and he also scored in the Champions League final. Indeed, had Sergio Ramos not netted a late, late equaliser for Real Madrid, then Godin would have been the match winner on the biggest of stages.
The problem for United is that Godin currently has a contract at the Calderon until 2018, which he signed in November of last year and these were the comments that followed: "I'm delighted to prolong my stay with the club. This is my home."
That said, there is a worry in Spain that Atletico will not be able to match last season's exploits. Despite losing a number of key players in the summer, Atletico have still been extremely competitive this term and are very much in the race for La Liga and Champions League silverware.
However, it is very difficult to imagine Simeone leading Atletico to either of those trophies this campaign. Real Madrid and Barcelona both strengthened in the summer and are widely expected to finish as one and two this term. Even if Atletico could pull off another miracle, the task would become harder and harder each passing season.
Ultimately, money talks at the highest level and Atletico are simply not in the same financial boat as the top two to compete for the very best players.
Simeone's own position is also one to monitor, with just about every top European club interested in the Argentine when he eventually decides to move on. Atletico still have a number of talented players, but until the TV money is spread evenly in Spain, they will struggle to seriously compete in the transfer market.
© Getty Images
Then there is United, who would certainly prove an attractive proposition for Godin, who has the physique to play in the Premier League. The defender's age has been mentioned, but Godin's game has never been about pace and John Terry has proven at 34 that it is no barrier to putting in great performances on a weekly basis.
La Liga is not exactly the most physical of leagues, but Godin's presence at the heart of the back four is there for all to see. Not only is the Uruguayan commanding in the air, he can do just about everything else – standing tackles, sliding tackles, blocks at vital moments, he has absolutely everything.
Ultimately, if a bid is made and the player's release clause is met, then the decision will fall to Godin. There is no question that he loves Atletico, but the chance to join United is not one that comes around every transfer window.
On the other side, United should be pulling out all of the stops to sign Godin, who could realistically be the cornerstone of their defence for the next four or five seasons. Talent aside, his leadership qualities - he has captained Atletico this season - would be invaluable for an inexperienced defence.
The very best centre-backs are the ones that are never flustered, the ones that always look in control and that is the biggest compliment that can be paid to the reported Red Devils target.
David Luiz and Eliaquim Mangala joined Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City respectively for big money this summer. While £28.5m is hardly loose change, it is an absolute steal for a player of Godin's ilk.
Matt Law
