Man United transfer news: Red Devils the 'favourites' for 6ft 3in centre-back who could be a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire

Manchester United have reportedly emerged as the favourites to sign Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell during this summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils are set to be busy in the upcoming market, with two new central midfielders likely to arrive, while the club also want a left-sided attacker and a left-back.

There have also been suggestions that a new centre-back could arrive due to concerns over the long-term fitness of Matthijs de Ligt, while Lisandro Martinez is also having his injury problems.

Harry Maguire is likely to sign a new short-term deal, but the England international is not a long-term option in the middle of the Man United defence.

As a result, a new centre-back could move to Old Trafford this summer, and according to TEAMtalk, Cresswell has emerged as a genuine target for the Red Devils.

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Man United emerge as 'favourites' for Cresswell deal

The report claims that the 23-year-old is 'very keen' on a move to Man United, who may have to pay up to £26m to secure his signature this summer.

Brighton & Hove Albion are believed to have failed with a move for Cresswell in January, while West Ham United and Crystal Palace are also said to be keen.

However, Man United have now allegedly emerged as the frontrunners for the 6ft 3in defender, who has a contract with Toulouse until the summer of 2028.

Cresswell came through the youth system at Leeds United before making his first-team debut for the English club in the latter stages of 2020.

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Brighton, West Ham, Palace also 'keen' on Cresswell

The defender made 14 appearances for Leeds before joining Toulouse in July 2024, and he made 34 appearances for the French club during the 2024-25 campaign.

Cresswell has scored four goals and registered three assists in 26 appearances for Toulouse this term, although he has recently been sidelined due to a hamstring issue.

Toulouse will find it incredibly difficult to keep hold of Cresswell beyond the end of the season, and he could be the perfect long-term replacement for Maguire, with the Red Devils requiring another powerful centre-back to boost their defensive department moving forward.