Manchester United are likely to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer, with that position expected to see a number of changes ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have firmly established themselves as the first-choice central defenders this season, with the pair a huge part of Man United's success.
Luke Shaw has also impressed in that area of the field, which has led to both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof dropping down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Maguire is widely expected to leave this summer, while there is also speculation surrounding Lindelof's future, with the Sweden international no longer a first-team regular.
Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are also both out of contract at the end of June, and Eric Bailly is also set to depart on a permanent basis this summer, so there is likely to be at least one new centre-back arriving at Old Trafford during the upcoming transfer window.
With that in mind, Sports Mole takes a look at five options for the Red Devils.
Jurrien Timber (Ajax)
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Jurrien Timber was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer following Erik ten Hag's arrival as head coach, but he ultimately decided to sign a new deal in Amsterdam.
The 21-year-old has again been a vital player for the Dutch champions this season, featuring on 33 occasions in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.
Ten Hag is believed to be a huge admirer of the Netherlands international, who can also play as a right-back, which could be valuable if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves Old Trafford this summer.
Timber has made 107 first-team appearances for Ajax, including 15 outings in the Champions League, while he has been capped on 14 occasions by his country.
Ajax will not want to lose another player to Man United this summer, but it would certainly not be a shock to see the Red Devils return for the defender in the upcoming market.
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
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Alessandro Bastoni's future at Inter is currently being called into question, and Man United are believed to be one of the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation at San Siro.
The 23-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his contract with the Italian giants, and he could be sold this summer if he does not agree a new deal.
Bastoni has made 27 appearances at club level this season, contributing five assists, while he has represented Inter on 145 occasions in all competitions.
A recent report claimed that Inter are not currently prepared to meet the Italy international's wage demands, which has created a stand-off between the two parties.
Tottenham Hotspur continue to be heavily linked with the centre-back, but Man United would fancy their chances of winning a race against the North London outfit for his signature.
Kim Min-jae (Napoli)
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Another player believed to be on Man United's defensive wishlist is Kim Min-jae, who has been in strong form for Napoli during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring twice and registering one assist in 31 appearances.
The Japan international has scored twice and provided one assist in 23 Serie A outings this term, with Napoli currently 18 points clear at the top of the division.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old has played seven times in the Champions League this term, as the Italian team bid to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
A recent report claimed that Man United had contacted the defender's representatives to discuss the possibility of signing him this summer, with his current release clause standing at €50m (£44.1m).
However, whether the Red Devils make a serious attempt to sign Kim this summer could depend on their plans for Victor Osimhen, who is another Napoli player to be heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Antonio Silva (Benfica)
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Antonio Silva has firmly made the breakthrough at Benfica this season, representing the club on 32 occasions in all competitions, scoring three times in the process.
The 19-year-old, who featured for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, is thought to be on the radar of a number of leading European clubs, with Real Madrid credited with an interest.
Silva will be in no hurry to leave Benfica, where he has a contract until June 2027, but Man United would fancy their chances of turning his head if they made a serious offer this summer.
The centre-back only made his first-team debut last August, but his development has reportedly led to a number of teams sending scouts to watch him.
Silva might believe that his development will be best served by staying in Portugal and playing regular football, but it was claimed towards the end of last year that Man United viewed him as a direct replacement for Maguire.
Axel Disasi (Monaco)
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Man United are believed to have made contact with Monaco during the January transfer window to discuss the possibility of signing Axel Disasi this summer.
The 24-year-old has been in impressive form for his Ligue 1 side during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring five times and contributing four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.
Disasi has more than two years left to run on his current deal, but it is unlikely that he would cost huge money this summer, and he could be viewed as the ideal squad player for the Red Devils.
The France international, who can also play as a right-back, has featured on 116 occasions for Monaco since his arrival in the summer of 2020.
Disasi played three times for his country at the 2022 World Cup, meanwhile, including the latter stages of the final against Argentina on December 18.
Matt Law
