Manchester United are reportedly hopeful that they can persuade Jonny Evans to sign a new contract at the club.
Eight years after leaving Old Trafford in 2015, Evans re-joined the club last summer, initially signing a short-term deal to cover pre-season before penning a full one-year contract.
The 36-year-old was recruited by the Red Devils to provide cover for Erik ten Hag's first-team centre-back options - Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
However, Evans ended up making 30 appearances for Man United across all competitions, including 17 starts, due to the club's injury crisis.
Evans ended the season on a high as he featured in Man United's FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium at the end of last month.
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Man United want Evans to pen new deal
The Northern Irishman is now facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford as his contract is due to expire on June 30, although Man United have confirmed that "discussions remain open" over a possible extension.
According to The Athletic, via The Sun, Man United chiefs are keen to tie Evans down to a new deal amid their tight transfer budget this summer.
It is understood that minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hoping for a net spend of just £50m this summer and does not want to lose any more first-team defenders, having already seen Varane confirm his departure upon the expiration of his contract.
Both Maguire and Lindelof have also been linked with exits, but they could now be set to stay at Old Trafford until Man United make moves for top targets in the transfer window.
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Which defenders are on Man United's radar?
Man United were interested in signing Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham, but they were beaten to his signature by Chelsea, forcing the Red Devils to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
It is understood that Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite remains Man United's primary centre-back target and they are allegedly confident of reaching an agreement to sign the 21-year-old, valued at around £75m, before the end of June.
The Red Devils are also said to hold an interest in Lille starlet Leny Yoro, with one report claiming that they have made a £51m bid for the 18-year-old, who is also wanted by Real Madrid.
Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, Benfica's Antonio Silva, Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio and Juventus' Gleison Bremer are other central defenders believed to be on Man United's radar this summer.
Oliver Thomas
