Manchester United have reportedly identified Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni and Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong as transfer targets.
The Red Devils are expected to move for a new right-sided defender next year even if Diogo Dalot signs a new contract, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka potentially leaving in 2023.
Meanwhile, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly could all depart permanently at the end of the season, which would open up space in the squad for a new centre-back to arrive.
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Man United view Frimpong as a leading target at right-back, with the 21-year-old admired by the English club's head coach Erik ten Hag.
"Next to other players he is on the list of Manchester United! #MUFC wants to transfer a high quality right-back in winter. At the latest in summer," Plettenberg posted on his official Twitter account.
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The Dutchman, who came through the youth system at Manchester City before joining Celtic in September 2019, has been in strong form for his German club this season, contributing four goals and two assists in 14 appearances in all competitions.
Frimpong has a contract with Leverkusen until June 2025, placing the Bundesliga outfit in a strong position when it comes to demanding a high transfer fee.
The defender has made 61 appearances for Die Werkself and boasts impressive numbers for a full-back, contributing six goals and 12 assists in 61 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, according to Fichajes, Man United are also targeting Bastoni, with Red Devils head coach Ten Hag said to be a huge admirer of the centre-back.
The 23-year-old, who is close to entering the final 18 months of his contract at San Siro, has made 12 appearances for Inter in all competitions this season.
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Man United are likely to face strong competition for the defender's signature, though, with Real Madrid and Manchester City also said to be keen on his services.
Bastoni came through the youth system at Atalanta BC before making the move to Inter in 2017, and he has now represented the Milan giants on 130 occasions, contributing three goals and 10 assists in the process.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez has been Ten Hag's preferred centre-back partnership this season, with Harry Maguire struggling to break back into the side after a poor start to the campaign.
The club captain has recently been on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, but he has now returned to training and could be involved against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League next week.
Victor Lindelof, meanwhile, is another centre-back option for the Red Devils, and the Sweden international recently benefitted from an injury to Varane to start in the middle alongside Martinez.
Matt Law
