Manchester United is reportedly targeting the Tottenham Hotspur defensive duo of Kyle Walker and Danny Rose in the ongoing winter transfer window and cross-city rivals Manchester City are set to battle them for the signature of the two full-backs.

United manager Jose Mourinho has been having problems with his team's defense in his maiden season at the Old Trafford and reports are out that he is keen to solve them this January as he aims to bring back the Red Devils to their former lofty perch in the Premier League.

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ESPN reported that Mourinho is willing to shell out $73 million for the pair, who the Spurs had acquired for a combined fee of only $6 million.

Should the deal pushes through, Tottenham is set to gain a huge profit from the defenders, but "the return on that investment could be worthwhile" for United as Walker and Rose are considered as the best tandem at their positions in the English top flight this term.

With Walker and Rose, the Spurs have the best defense in the Premier League right now with only 14 goals allowed in 20 games so far this season. The duo played a key role in stopping current league leaders Chelsea, 2-0, at the White Hart Lane in their most recent top flight fixture. The win snapped Chelsea's 13-game winning run.

Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been implementing a three-back defense with Walker and Rose at the wings. It has been working well for the Spurs as they are now in the third spot of the Premier League table with only two losses after 20 rounds.

Aside from Mourinho, City boss Pep Guardiola is also interested in getting the pair although it is not yet known how much he is willing to bid to rival United. Guardiola has long been eyeing the defensive duo even before he arrived at the Etihad last summer, according to the Independent.  

Expectedly, the Spurs are keen to keep both Walker and Rose as the two players represent the defensive spine of the squad. However, a mega-money bid from either United or City may "prove too much to resist" for Tottenham. 

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors 2017, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Manchester United, Manchester City