Manchester United appears to have made an approach over a move after identifying a new possible summer addition.
Man Utd could require more defensive depth.
Everyone can see that, following yet another poor Premier League season, Erik ten Hag’s team is in serious need of more defenders this summer.
United’s remote hope of making it into the Champions League the next season appears to have been destroyed by England’s dismal showing in European games; at the moment, the team is stuck in seventh position, 10 points below fourth place and only three points clear of Chelsea.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United Premier League, Manchester
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Man Utd and the agency of the £40 million star, whom Ratcliffe knows, had fascinating conversations. The Red Devils are rumoured to be interested in making a summer move for the defender.
Their problems have mostly been at the back, where this season only Diogo Dalot has not been injured. Ten Hag will probably only be able to start Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala as healthy centre backs against Coventry City this coming Saturday in their FA Cup semi-final, as Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, and Lisandro Martinez are all expected to be out.
Manchester United’s centre back issues
Participant
Played games (44 total)
Martinez Lisandro
11
Evans Jonny
25
Harry Maguire
28
Lindelof, Victor
27
Rafael Varane
30
Willy Kambwala
9.
Because of this, signing a new centre defender is perhaps Old Trafford’s top priority this summer. In recent weeks, Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo have both been connected to the team. A fresh opportunity has now emerged.
Man Utd approaches Murillo
The man in question is Nottingham Forest centre defender Murillo, who may be available for a reduced price as his team attempts to allay worries about financial fair play. The 21-year-old, who was signed in the summer, has surprised the City Ground with his deft movement and heroic last-ditch defence this season. He is a rare bright light for Forest.
Murillo’s efforts this season have also garnered plaudits from the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher calling him “outstanding” on Monday Night Football.
murillo
“I remember being a young lad going in myself at Liverpool and it’s an unforgiving position, I had to go to full-back for the next three or four years and then go back to centre-back, so you can see the quality we have. While (Jarrod) Branthwaite has excelled, Murillo, in my opinion, has also excelled.
Given his recent performances at the City Ground, the young defender, who is now only paid £30,000 a week, may be anticipating a sizable pay increase at his next destination.
Transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke also stated that it might take a “huge” fee to get him out of the Midlands club this summer, but Football Insider said that Forest might ask for “in excess of £20m” for his services, which considering his play might seem like a good deal at Old Trafford.
That would probably only apply if Forest were to exit the Premier League, though, given prior reports put his value closer to £50 million.
The Brazilian defender is being pursued by a number of teams, including Manchester United. However, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are all mentioned as potential suitors. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have made a wise choice in taking this step to start his tenure at Old Trafford.
Approach made: Man Utd and Ratcliffe make first move to sign “outstanding” Premier League player
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