Manchester United are seemingly keen to add a new central defender to the squad next summer as Raphael Varane’s injury problems continue to cause issues.
Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans started as the centre-back duo for Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane out.
It has emerged that United may well have an interesting target for that position, who plays for Rasmus Hojlund‘s former club.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Giorgio Scalvini is attracting strong interest from Erik ten Hag’s side and the young defender is getting better and better at Atalanta.
United’s interest
The report claims that United are among a number of clubs who are interested in the Italian defender and, at just 19 years of age, he could be the Red Devils’ long-term solution to their centre-back issues.
Napoli also, according to the report, made an attempt to sign the young defender last summer but balked at the Italian side’s valuation of the defender which is believed to be £43 million.
The highly-rated young defender features predominantly as a right-centre back hence United’s interest in the defender. His height, standing at 6 foot 4 inches, makes him a domineering defensive option.
Varane’s replacement
As the season has gone on, it has become quite clear that Erik ten Hag would like another central defender next summer as a replacement for the Frenchman.
United have been linked with Antonio Silva but Scalvini represents an option that is severely lacking in the current United team, height and physical dominance.
The defender also fits Ten Hag’s style of play and the need for his defenders to be good on the ball is seen as crucial and the Italian defender is certainly that – 5.51 progressive passes per 90, according to FBREF.
If the former Real Madrid centre-back Varane is to be replaced then a defender who can replicate his physical prowess is crucial.
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