Manchester United are open to adding a defender this summer if the right option emerges, and now a Rio Ferdinand-like Premier League star is being monitored.
On paper, Manchester United’s centre-back department is the strongest position the club has, but in actuality, it is very different.
Leny Yoro is in a make-or-break campaign, Harry Maguire turns 34 next season, Matthijs de Ligt is a huge question mark, and Lisandro Martinez can’t be relied upon for his fitness.
Due to this, signing a centre-back may be on the agenda despite it not being at the forefront of United’s mind.
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Manchester United keeping tabs on Maxence Lacroix amid contract talks
It would take a lot of things to fall into place for United to sign a centre-back, and that means a market opportunity opening up, which may be the case with Maxence Lacroix at Crystal Palace.
The French defender has been excellent for Palace and earned a World Cup spot, catching the eye of elite sides across England.
According to the Daily Mail, Lacroix has won admirers at both United and Premier League champions Arsenal, who are both keeping tabs on the situation.
Lacroix is currently at a stand-off in contract talks at Selhurst Park, potentially eyeing a bigger club, although his current deal runs until 2029, and so Palace won’t be panicked into selling.
However, United will be waiting in the event he is going to try and get a move, as it would be hard to imagine he’d command a fee north of £45m.
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Lacroix was once dubbed the new Rio Ferdinand
While United won’t be bidding for Lacroix any time soon, it is still interesting to see the links.
This is because stylistically, Lacroix has often been compared with Rio Ferdinand.
The Bundesliga website made the comparison back when he was at Wolfsburg, saying he plays like the United legend.
“Lacroix has a certain grace on the ball that is reminiscent of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand in his prime. Similarly able to glide out of defence and pick a forward pass to a teammate, his elegance masks a steely will to win and a healthy aggression.”
Lacroix would be a brilliant addition for United, in his prime and ready to take a step up. Potentially a deal to keep an eye on for 2027, when De Ligt may be on the chopping block with Yoro’s future uncertain and Maguire potentially near retirement.
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