United prepare €40m raid to secure 6’3 defensive colossus in January before bitter PL rival gets there first – report

Manchester United appear to have already decided which centre-back they’d like to sign in the January transfer window.

While it was a busy summer transfer window for Man United, the club didn’t sign reinforcements in all of its problem areas on the pitch.

Two areas that still seem to be in need of additional support are at centre-mid and centre-back.

Suddenly, it appears that United already have a centre-back transfer plan in motion, with the club plotting to use the January window to make a move.

New defensive target

Last week, The Peoples Person relayed that United have reportedly targeted Sporting CP defender Zeno Debast as their next defensive signing.

Back when he managed Sporting, United manager Ruben Amorim was the one who signed Debast from Anderlecht in 2024, clearly indicating his awareness of the 21 year old’s potential.

But while Debast has a £70m release clause, it appears that United may try to sign the Belgian another way.

Sending the scouts

CaughtOffside reported this morning that United appear to have decided how much they’re willing to pay for Debast after intensifying their pursuit of the defender.

“Defensive reinforcements will be a priority for a number of Premier League clubs in January, including Manchester United,” the report read. “Among the names under consideration is Zeno Debast, the highly regarded 21-year-old Belgian centre-back who has been impressing at Sporting CP, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.”

“Man United and Arsenal have dispatched scouts to Portugal in recent weeks, eager to evaluate Debast’s game in detail, the article continued. “Reports suggest Man United could test Sporting’s resolve with a bid in the region of €40 million, though that figure falls well short of the defender’s €80 million release clause.”

It seems that a potential deal could hinge on multiple considerations.

Firstly, there’s the prospect of beating Arsenal and other interested parties to his signature.

There’s also the massive gap between United’s valuation of the player and his release clause.

Depending on the amount of interest in Debast, United may need to increase their offering if they hope to secure a deal for the Belgian.

Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images

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