Manchester United 'step up transfer plans after Crystal Palace defeat'

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up plans to strengthen their backline following Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils have been relatively quiet in the transfer window so far, bringing in just midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax in a deal rising to £39m.

However, the Manchester Evening News suggests that United now accept the need for some extra defenders is more pressing ahead of the October 5 deadline.

United, who conceded three goals in their opening Premier League game for the first time since 1995, are in the market for a left-back and a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire.

Porto's Alex Telles is rumoured to be high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's wishlist, although reports that an agreement is already in place are wide of the mark.

Vitaliy Mykolenko of Dynamo Kiev is said to be another option to provide competition for Luke Shaw, who had a disappointing game against Palace.