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Football

27th Jul 2018

New reports claim Harry Maguire isn’t Manchester United’s top defensive target

They're being linked with another World Cup semi-finalist

Simon Lloyd

Harry Maguire

Ed Woodward, at least by the sounds of things, is a very busy man

Manchester United haven’t been quite as active in the summer transfer market as some might have expected them to be. Brazilian international Fred and young Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot were announced early in the window, with only veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant arriving in the time since.

But with the transfer window closing for English clubs in little over a couple of weeks, we can safely assume that Jose Mourinho’s side will feature regularly in the transfer gossip columns in the days ahead. In fact, it’s already started…

Talk of a move for Leicester’s Harry Maguire has intensified in the last couple of days, but he’s by no means the only defender in United’s sights.

Maguire Alderweireld Perisic

In fact, Toby Alderweireld is United’s top defensive target, according to the Independent. Miguel Delaney writes that Spurs want £55m for the former Southampton defender or a deal which would see Anthony Martial move in the opposite direction. At this stage, United’s hierarchy are reluctant to consider either option, perhaps explaining the increased speculation about a move for Maguire.

Alderweireld and Perisic are thought to be United's main targets

Away from their hunt for a new centre-back, the club are also said to be keen on resurrecting a move for Ivan Perisic. The Croatian was a target for Mourinho a year ago but a deal was not agreed with Inter Milan. The Mirror now claim that United will look to sign him again, a move which could allow Martial to leave Old Trafford.

Despite the aforementioned interest in the Frenchman from Tottenham, United will insist Martial moves abroad if he does leave the club.