International football interrupts the regular season once again this fortnight, with a whole host of World Cup qualifiers and friendlies taking place across the globe.

England are in action, under the stewardship of Gareth Southgate, at home to Malta on Saturday before an away trip to Slovenia three days later.

However, the international break gives club managers a chance to identify targets for the upcoming transfer window, and go and scout them as they play for their country.

One manager who may look to do that is Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils drew 1-1 at home to struggling Stoke City on Sunday, a result which leaves them sixth in the Premier League, five points behind neighbours and league leaders Manchester City.

Consequently, Mourinho may feel the need to strengthen in January, and should use this fortnight to scout these THREE players…

Alex Grimaldo

Scouts have reportedly already been sent to see Alex Grimaldo in action for Portuguese side Benfica, but the international break may give them more time to assess his credentials.

The 21-year-old likes to get forward and support the wingers, and is part of the Spain Under-21 squad to play against San Marino and Estonia, although did not play their last match against Sweden a month ago.

However, it is likely that the young defender will get a decent amount of game time in these two matches, and it may give Mourinho and the scouting team a better idea of his ability and whether he can address the full-back issue at Old Trafford.

Jose Fonte

A centre-back United have been keeping an eye on for some time now, Jose Fonte is in the Portugal squad for their matches against Andorra and the Faroe Islands.

The 32-year-old has impressed for Southampton since their promotion to the Premier League in 2012, and has become a solid and dependable defender at the top level.

United obviously know a lot about him having tracked him and played against him for some time, but seeing how he gets on for his country, against sides that are likely to sit back and defend, could prove advantageous to the management team to see exactly how comfortable he is on the ball.

Isco

Spanish midfielder Isco hasn’t played too many times for Real Madrid this season, but has been called up to his national team’s squad for their upcoming qualifiers against Italy and Albania, where scouts will be hoping that he gets enough minutes on the pitch to prove his worth.

Mourinho may even see him as a long-term replacement for Wayne Rooney, and could use this time to identify whether or not he would be able to flourish in that role in the future.