<\/p>\n
Manchester United<\/a> have shortlisted Nottingham Forest\u2019s Murillo and Tottenham<\/a> Hotspur\u2019s Micky van de Ven among their shortlist of centre-back targets for next summer, according to the Telegraph<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n An ambitious transfer<\/a> window looks likely for United in the summer, with the club already assessing reinforcements in midfield and defence ahead of the next campaign.<\/p>\n Although Harry Maguire<\/a> has signed a contract extension \u2014 reducing the immediate urgency to add another centre-back \u2014 ongoing fitness concerns involving Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Mart\u00ednez could still force the club to enter the market.<\/p>\n Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are seen as key figures for both the present and the future of the backline, but with a heavier schedule anticipated next season, especially with Champions League<\/a> football now in sight, strengthening the squad with added depth would be a sensible move.<\/p>\n Hence, according to the Telegraph,<\/em> Man Utd have explored left-footed centre-backs, including Tottenham\u2019s Van de Ven and Forest\u2019s Murillo.<\/p>\n For Van de Ven, valued at \u00a356m by Transfermarkt<\/a>, the report adds that the Dutchman\u2019s pace and dribbling are appealing qualities that would be seen as a market opportunity should Spurs get relegated, as his valuation will drop.<\/p>\n Murillo, on the other hand, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Forest since joining from Corinthians in 2023, has also been assessed by the Red Devils as a potential left centre-back option for next season, according to the report.<\/p>\n However, the Telegraph<\/em> clarifies that United are planning to continue with their current five centre-backs next season unless the injury concerns over De Ligt and Martinez persist.<\/p>\n Murillo, who will likely cost more than his \u00a345m Transfermarkt<\/a> valuation, and Van de Ven would be invaluable additions to United\u2019s backline.<\/p>\n Given the injury concerns with their current centre-backs, Murillo would be the better option, as he gets injured less often and has proven to be one of the league\u2019s most reliable defenders.<\/p>\n Manchester United tightened their grip on a UEFA Champions League qualification spot, moving 11 points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool<\/a> after edging past Brentford 2\u20131 on Monday night.<\/p>\n![\"Rememore](\"https:\/\/football-talk.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FootballTalk_New_Chapter-rememore.png\")
<\/a><\/div>\nDouble swoop<\/h2>\n
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