Man Utd now increasingly confident of signing ‘one of the world’s best defenders’ on a free transfer

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Manchester United invested big money in centre backs last summer, but could now land one on a free transfer.

Ruben Amorim now has a Europa League final on the horizon after Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Athletic Club.

United meet Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, with Amorim now set for a golden chance to lead the Red Devils back into the Champions League.

Transfer business is already emerging though, with United closing in on signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Cunha is expected to seal a £62.5million move this summer, and United aren’t done there.

Teenager Enzo Kana-Biyik will join United from Le Havre, and a fascinating Bundesliga raid could be on the cards.

• READ MORE: Bayer Leverkusen now interested in ‘special’ Manchester United misfit as Florian Wirtz windfall looms

Manchester United chasing Jonathan Tah deal

United signed Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro last summer, making two significant investments to the back line.

The summer transfer window is looming and United may well move for more defenders.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are set to leave United on free transfers this summer, opening up space for a potential signing.

Reports earlier in May suggested United want Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah and have spoken to his representatives.

Tah is out of contract this summer and United appear to be ramping up the pursuit for the German’s signature.

The Sunday Mirror (11/05, p64) report that United are ‘growing increasingly confident’ of striking a deal for Tah.

It’s suggested that Tah has a ‘long-standing ambition’ of playing in the Premier League, with United believing that desire could see him snub Bayern Munich.

Bayern are already closing in on Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, but want Tah to follow him over to Bavaria.

United are posing serious competition, though, and securing Champions League football could be pivotal to the hopes of signing Tah.

Jonathan Tah knows a back three very well

Tah came up through the Hamburger SV ranks, but played just 20 games for his hometown club before being snapped up by Bayer Leverkusen.

The 29-year-old has now played 400 times for Leverkusen and serves as vice-captain of Xabi Alonso’s side.

Tah has been crucial to Alonso’s back three, operating in the heart of Alonso’s defence throughout the Spaniard’s time at the club.

Alonso has previously hailed Tah as ‘one of the world’s best defenders’, as quoted by The Express.

United play a back three under Amorim, and may believe that Tah’s familiarity with the setup can make him a perfect signing.

Tah doesn’t really fit into the Ineos mantra of signing younger players, but when a proven, top-quality centre back becomes available on a free transfer, United need to be in the mix – and appear to have a genuine hope of luring Tah to Old Trafford.