Manchester United could do with help at the back in the summer, judging from the current injury status of several players, while numerous stars look set for an exit.
Matthijs de Ligt, signed only last summer, is currently sidelined with his second injury of the season, and INEOS are not too convinced with the Dutchman.
Lisandro Martinez is ruled out until next year due to an ACL injury, and upon his return, there is a chance Ruben Amorim changes his position from a defender to a midfielder, given his unsuitability to a back-three.
Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are expected to depart upon the expiration of their current deals, leaving Amorim with only Leny Yoro, an ageing Harry Maguire and an unfit Luke Shaw as his senior centre-back options.
United need help at the back
But the truth is the attack and midfield look in more urgent need of help and that is what the co-owners are likely to address first.
Unless Champions League qualification is ensured, and a fire sale occurs, not too much money is expected to be left over for defensive reinforcements.
Which is why a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah makes sense with the German set to depart the former Bundesliga champions as a free agent.
As a result of his free agent status, lots of clubs are naturally circling with the 29-year-old reportedly close to a move to Barcelona.
CaughtOffside have claimed no agreement is yet to be found which hands United the chance to hijack any potential deal. However, fierce rivals Liverpool have now joined the race.
“Manchester United are ready to try making a move for the potential free transfer of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, CaughtOffside understands.
Liverpool join the race for United target
“The Red Devils are one of a number of top European clubs showing an interest in Tah as he nears the end of his contract and looks set to become a free agent.
“Liverpool are also very keen on Tah, sources close to the situation told CaughtOffside, while the Germany international also has major suitors elsewhere in Europe.”
The Germany international certainly looks better suited to United given Amorim’s need to strengthen the backline while Liverpool recently tied Virgil van Dijk down on a new deal.
Other teams interested who have looked at the former Hamburger ace are Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Tah has four goals and one assist this season, and has helped keep 16 clean-sheets across all competitions with Leverkusen set to finish second this time around.
Feature image Lars Baron via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
