Manchester United have compiled a three-man centre-back short list consisting of Nathan Ake, Tyrone Mings and Alessio Romagnoli, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to build upon his side's exciting potential to turn them into Premier League title contenders and would like to add a centre-midfielder, winger and playmaker to boost his attacking options this summer.
However, according to ESPN, with it looking likely that Paul Pogba will stay at the club, it's now a possibility that the funds which would have been used to sign a creative-midfielder - such as top target Jack Grealish - could now be spent on a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire instead.
While United are enjoying a 16 game unbeaten streak and have been on fire going forward, there remains frailties at the back as Bournemouth proved with their opening goal at Old Trafford on Saturday, despite going on to lose 5-2.
According to the report, Bournemouth's Ake, Aston Villa's Mings and and Milan captain Romagnoli are the 'names in the frame' if United decide to improve the centre of defence this summer.
Solskjaer has already moved to dismiss claims that United are interested in Ake after he approached the Dutchman following the weekend's game and, in footage aired by broascasters, appeared to say: 'We need a left-footed centre-back, so keep going.' The BT Sport caption, however, read: 'You need a bit of luck from your centre-backs. Just keep going.'
The United boss laughed off the suggestion by saying United already have seven centre-backs, though two are out on loan and two are injured, which has led to Under-18 captain Teden Mengi being drafted into first-team training .
"I've got seven centre-backs," Solskjaer laughed. "I don't know where that's come from. We're fine."
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba has reportedly expressed his excitement at the possibility of linking up with Jadon Sancho at United.
Sancho remains a priority target for the Reds but Dortmund’s valuation of the England international could be a stumbling block to any deal.
The Athletic report Pogba has privately expressed his excitement at the idea playing alongside Sancho at Old Trafford.
