As Harry Maguire’s future at the club remains uncertain, Manchester United is rumoured to have found a potential center-back target ahead of the summer transfer window.

What are the most recent transfer rumours regarding Man United?
The club may have found a potential replacement in Konstantinos Mavropanos of Stuttgart, according to reports in Spain. The former Arsenal player has flourished since moving to Germany, and recent rumours have suggested that United’s captain will be let go at the end of the season.

In their search for a new central defender, the article states that the Red Devils have “set their sights” on the Greece international. Erik ten Hag and company are reportedly also considering “other alternatives” to fellow target Kim Min-jae.

However, according to this report, Old Trafford’s squad will likely face competition if they want to wrest Mavropanos away from the Bundesliga team, as Inter Milan and other Premier League clubs are also interested in his services.

Would Man United be wise to bring in Mavropanos?
Maguire appears to be leaving the team, and it is thought that Kim, a star for Napoli, is being considered as a possible addition to strengthen the backline. Journalist Rudy Galetti even claims that the team is “ready to open talks” about a move for the South Korean ace.

However, it is advisable to take into account alternatives to the 26-year-old, with Mavropanos appearing to be one such player who could also prove to be a valuable asset to Ten Hag’s team despite failing to thrive during his previous stint in England.

The 6’4″ “gladiator,” as former manager Pellegrino Matarazzo dubbed him, made only eight first-team appearances for the Gunners before spending two seasons on loan with his current team before signing on for good last summer.

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However, that decision to transfer to Stuttgart has proven particularly wise for the tall “monster” — as Matarazzo put it — as he has made 26 league appearances this season and scored twice.

According to his former manager, the £13 million talent can “produce magic.” The 17-cap ace’s quality in possession is demonstrated by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% among his European peers for successful take-ons and the top 11% for progressive carries.

This exceptional track record of playing out from the back is somewhat better than Kim’s, who ranks in the top 10% for progressive carries but only in the bottom 42% for successful take-ons.

Similarly, Mavropanos appears to be more of a ball-winning machine than the Naples star, who only ranks in the top 25% and top 45% for the same two metrics, respectively. Mavropanos ranks in the top 1% for interceptions and the top 19% for tackles made.

The Greek titan has a better record than Kim (top 12%) when it comes to winning aerial duels, further demonstrating his physical dominance.

Because of this, even though Mavropanos’ lack of impact at the Emirates may make his selection seem odd at first, it is easy to understand why the 25-year-old caught Ten Hag’s attention.