Manchester United have now entered the race to sign a “powerful” La Liga star, who is protected by a huge release clause.
Gary Neville tells Man Utd to strengthen in three key areas
Man United booked their place in the Champions League with a third-place finish in the Premier League, but Gary Neville believes Michael Carrick will need to deepen his squad ahead of a return to Europe’s elite competition.
The pundit has suggested his former club need to strengthen in three key positions, saying: “I think United need a left-back for next season because Luke Shaw has played every game this year and he may struggle. They need a centre-back, 100%, and they need two midfield players.
“They are the four priorities right now. They’re the players I would look at adding to this squad.”
Progress has been made in the pursuit of a central midfielder, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing they are closing in on a deal for Atalanta star Ederson.
Man Utd enter race to sign “powerful” defender
With Casemiro departing, it is clear to see why Michael Carrick‘s side are wasting no time when it comes to bringing in a new midfielder, but they are also keen to strengthen in defence.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Man United have now stormed into contention to sign Atletico Madrid star Marc Pubill, who is protected by a monster release clause of around €500m (£433m).
Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris-Saint Germain and Barcelona are also in the race for the Spaniard, but it could be difficult to get a deal over the line this summer, given the massive valuation.
The 22-year-old would be a versatile option for United, as he is capable of slotting in at centre-back and right-back, and he could be an exciting addition to Carrick’s squad, having been lauded as “powerful” by scout Ben Mattinson.
An average FotMob match rating of 7.17 in La Liga was the second-highest in the Atletico Madrid squad last season, while he also averaged the most defensive contributions (9.4), having emerged as a regular starter at the beginning of December.
As such, Pubill could be a fantastic signing for Man United, who could certainly do with bringing in a new centre-back, after being left light on options at the heart of defence last season, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt spending a lot of time on the sidelines.
Read next: Man Utd’s top defensive target has been revealed
Man Utd make ‘one of the best in the world’ their new top defensive target
The Red Devils want to strengthen at left-back this summer.