Manchester United will face a “crucial point” in 2024 as the Premier League club aim to lure “one more important centre-back” to Old Trafford in January or the summer.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed three players that remain on United’s radar in a bid to reinforce Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Ten Hag’s squad has been ravaged by injuries in the early stages of the season, with the United manager attempting to turn the tide back in his side’s favour.
However, United were dealt another blow on Friday after the club confirmed that Lisandro Martinez would be “out of action for an extended period” due to an injury.
Raphael Varane has returned for United after recovering from injury, but it is believed that Ten Hag is keen to add another important centre-back to his squad.
Ten Hag brought Jonny Evans back to Old Trafford in the summer and the United defender impressed in his side’s 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor last week.
Benjamin Pavard, who left Bayern Munich and signed for Inter Milan in the summer, was heavily linked with United and appeared likely to arrive at Old Trafford.
However, a transfer failed to materialise for the 27-year-old French defender after West Ham pulled the plug on a £30m move for ex-Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire.
Romano reveals players United are watching
Eric Bailly, who signed for Turkish side Besiktas, was axed from the United squad in the summer as Ten Hag deemed the Ivorian defender surplus to requirements.
Victor Lindelof, Evans and Maguire are all options for Ten Hag to deploy in the United starting XI when he is without Martinez or Varane.
Romano has now revealed that United want another defender and Jean-Clair Todibo, Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva are among the names on the club’s radar.
“A crucial point for Manchester United in 2024 is about the centre-back,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“United, in the internal discussions, are thinking in January or the summer of bringing in one more important centre-back.
“Over the summer, in July and August, they talked about two players in particular: Benjamin Pavard, before he joined Inter, and Jean-Clair Todibo, the Nice centre-back who is having a very good season in France.
“Then the Harry Maguire deal collapsed, which is why nothing happened in that position. But United were thinking of a new centre-back and that idea remains [the same].
“It’s more likely to happen in the summer in terms of investment. It depends on the Maguire situation, but for sure United are thinking of centre-backs.
“Todibo remains a player appreciated by United, so they will keep tracking and scouting him.
“Also, Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen, who was on the list of Tottenham but also United in the summer, remains a player appreciated by United.
“It is not an easy deal because he extended his contract at Bayer Leverkusen a couple of weeks ago.
“Another player United keep following and keep scouting is Antonio Silva from Benfica.
“For sure, they will add more players to that list, but everything depends on Maguire and whether he wants to continue to fight for his place.”
United need a defender next summer
The latest injury blow to Martinez is further proof that United need another centre-back who can easily step into the backline when needed.
Evans did impress against Burnely, sure, but the United man is only signed on a one-year deal and isn’t getting any younger at the age of 35.
Varane has impressed at United and forged a formidable partnership with Martinez, but the ex-Real Madrid star has faced injuries during his spell at Old Trafford.
The uncertainty over Maguire is something that former Ajax boss Ten Hag will need to set as a priority in the summer window in 2024.
Offloading the England star for a reasonable transfer fee and easing the club of his wages will pave the door for Ten Hag to make a crucial signing next summer.
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