Manchester United are exploring the possibility of a move for Crystal Palace’s £65million-rated centre back Marc Guehi, Confidential understands.
Guehi is seen as an alternative target for the left side of central defence to Jarrad Branthwaite if United cannot tempt Everton to sell with an offer in the region of £55m.
They have been interested in Guehi since last summer, and have continued to monitor the 23-year-old England defender’s situation at Palace. United still maintain a strong interest in Branthwaite but want to keep their options open if Everton play hardball over the fee.
They are expected to sign two centre backs this summer with Jean-Clair Todibo, of Nice, and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo two potential targets on the right side of defence. Todibo would cost around £40m while Adarabioyo is available on a free transfer and attracting interest from Newcastle.
United’s budget this summer is little more than £35m in cash, but new co-owners Ineos expect to raise substantially more by selling off some of their stars and are also prepared to offer player swaps.
Manchester United are exploring the possibility of bringing Marc Guehi to Old Trafford this summer
The Red Devils are also interested in signing Tosin Adarabioyo on a free although they will face competition from Newcastle
Benjamin Sesko is still of interest, although a defensive midfielder will be the next focus once central defence is reinforced
Ineos will also look to structure deals rather than make one-off payments, as United did when signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Palace in 2019 for £45m plus an additional £5m in bonuses.
United are also interested in Palace forward Michael Olise – another Newcastle target – and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but a defensive midfielder will be the next priority once they have strengthened in central defence.
Garnacho eyes new deal
Alejandro Garnacho is one of the first names on the United team sheet these days, and Confidential understands that the Argentina winger may well look for a new contract if he features prominently at the Copa America in the US this summer.
Garnacho only signed his first big deal in April last year, committing to United until June 2028.
But no outfield player has more than his 49 appearances (Diogo Dalot is level and Bruno Fernandes one behind on 48), with Garnacho currently on a run of 37 consecutive starts.
He has become a mainstay on the left flank for United…