Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar as the ideal partner for Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils have been in impressive form either side of the three-month hiatus but are supposedly looking to further strengthen at both ends of the field.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has settled on a preferred XI that has taken 12 points from the last 12 on offer in the Premier League, with Victor Lindelof being given the nod alongside Maguire.
However, United may have a different look to them next season if they complete the capture of Skriniar.
With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at how Solskjaer may set out his side in the 2020-21 campaign.
Solskjaer appears to have found his preferred XI if the last few weeks are anything to go by.
Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial have been in phenomenal goalscoring form, boosted by the creative ability of January signing Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes's arrival has also got the best out of Paul Pogba, who has been partnered in holding midfield by a rejuvenated Nemanja Matic.
The full-backs pick themselves on current form, too, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw performing well, though Brandon Williams is providing the latter with some competition.
David de Gea also looks nailed on to start in goal next season if Solskjaer's recent praise is anything to go by, despite the impending return of Dean Henderson from his successful Sheffield United loan.
It comes down to that one central-defensive berth alongside record signing Maguire, then, which reports suggest may well be occupied by Skriniar from this summer.
The Slovakia international will slot in to the right of Maguire and is also comfortable playing in a back five, which is another possible option for Solskjaer.
Indeed, the Red Devils used that formation a fair bit earlier in the season, albeit with less success than they have enjoyed since shifting to their current setup and personnel.
Daniel Lewis
