According to a rumour, Manchester United is a strong contender to sign a Barcelona player who is anticipated to leave in the summer, but Newcastle is predicted to provide fierce competition.

This month at Old Trafford, acquiring a center-half and a striker are the top two priorities. In reference to the latter, Man Utd was presented with an opportunity to sign Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig; however, it has since become apparent why they chose not to pursue the move.

Rather, Erik ten Hag will start looking at other options as Werner is expected to join Tottenham.

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Several sources have revealed that Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo is United’s top target in the center-back position.

It is nearly impossible, though, to sign the Frenchman who has helped Nice assemble the most formidable defence in Ligue 1 this year unless profitable player sales are approved beforehand.

Man Utd’s current window budget is incredibly tight, and a Todibo deal is anticipated to cost between £35 million and £55 million.

Raphael Varane’s sale to Al-Nassr or Al-Ittihad would be extremely beneficial to United. United is said to approve a sale if a bid of €30 million (about £26 million) is made.

Varane is being pursued by two Saudi clubs, but it’s believed that the Frenchman would rather stay in Europe.

Therefore, it’s possible that United would shelve its center-back search until the summer. At that point, according to Spanish publication Sport, Manchester United might make a move for Andreas Christensen of Barcelona.

Next summer, Barcelona will approve the Christensen sale.

The 27-year-old Dane, whose time at Barcelona seems to be running out, has drawn interest from United, who are said to be “very interested.”

Indeed, this season, Christensen has fallen in the hierarchy behind Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, Xavi’s preferred center-back duo.

Third choice is Inigo Martinez, and after his loan stint with high-flying Girona ends, there’s Eric Garcia to worry about.

Next season will also be worse for Christensen, as per the source, Barcelona has already chosen to include promising young player Chadi Riad in the starting lineup.

The 20-year-old will get another opportunity to shine next season, since he is already thriving while on loan at Real Betis.

It’s reported that Xavi will be free to bench a center-half because he has so many choices at his disposal, and Sport claims Christensen will be the odd man out.

Being a free agent signing helps Barca’s decision to let Christensen go. As a result, on the balance sheet of the financially constrained club, a large sale would equal pure profit.

Is Christensen up to par for Manchester United?

Because of his extensive time spent with Chelsea, Christensen is well-versed in the Premier League. He never did, however, secure a regular starting position, and it’s debatable if he would truly benefit Manchester United.

Sport does, however, maintain that United is eager to sign the centre back and that they may need to make some additions in the summer.

At the end of the season, Jonny Evans’ contract expires, even in the event that Varane stays and signs a new deal on less favourable terms.

Moreover, United can try to profit from Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, who will be entering the final year of their contracts in June. There is a 12-month club option in Maguire’s contract, which would guarantee his future through 2026.