Manchester United compile three-man centre-back shortlist after planning summer defence ‘revamp’

Manchester United are already making plans for the summer transfer window and after a tumultuous start to the season, they’ll seemingly be starting with the backline. 

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% stake still in the process of being ratified by the Premier League, supporters have been urged by numerous outlets to keep their expectations low throughout January. Any potential arrivals are likely to be loans or dependent on funds acquired from sales, which hasn’t happened as of yet.

As such, Erik ten Hag is planning to see out the term with the current players he has at his disposal, but has begun eyeing a defensive ‘revamp’ according to ESPN.

Who United could sell and sign

Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane are out of contract in June and United have opted against triggering the latter’s one-year extension, while Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire may be offloaded if suitable offers arrive.

In turn, a three-man shortlist of ideal targets has been drawn up, consisting of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite – all of which are likely to cost a pretty penny given their ages and value to their respective clubs.