Manchester United are monitoring the French market for fallback options if they fail to land Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The South Korean is the Red Devils’ main target as they look to strengthen their defence.
They are in contact with his agents and are monitoring the situation, with his release clause set to be valid in July.
Min-jae’s pursuit indicates Harry Maguire’s future lies elsewhere.
The England international centre-back will discuss his future with manager Erik ten Hag next week.
There is a mutual realisation that a parting of the ways would be best for both parties.
The out-of-favour Man United captain still has two years to run on his £190,000-a-week contract.
However, Maguire wants regular football and Min-jae’s arrival will further limit his chances.
Leaving for a club where he is guaranteed a place in the starting line-up would strengthen his chances of keeping his England place.
Min-jae will be an upgrade on the 30-year-old, but nothing is guaranteed and the Red Devils have contingency plans in place.
Ligue 1 has some talented centre-backs, and Man United have been linked with several players.
OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo could be sold this summer, and he has developed into one of the most highly-rated defenders in Ligue 1 since leaving Barcelona.
The 23-year-old has what it takes to provide Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane with quality cover and competition.
AS Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi is a player Man United have continued to keep tabs on since January.
The France international would fancy his chances of becoming a regular at the Old Trafford club if a move works out.
Man United will be monitoring the likes of Disasi and the French market if landing Min-jae become impossible, and they will not be short of quality options to pursue.
