Manchester United insist on signing Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer at the end of the season, according to Calciomercato.
The Red Devils are likely to purchase a marquee central defender this summer with the prospect of Raphael Varane leaving on a free transfer.
The Frenchman’s current £350,000-a-week deal expires on June 30 and the club have decided against triggering a 12-month extension clause.
The hierarchy are yet to open talks over a renewal with a pay-cut. The former Real Madrid star could head out as a free agent at the end of the season.
Bremer has been identified as a possible replacement. Calciomercato claim that the Red Devils insist on signing him from the Bianconeri this summer.
The source cite that he has ‘all the characteristics’ United are looking for, but he could cost plenty, having recently signed a new deal until June 2028.
Juventus have set a hefty valuation of €100 million for the Brazilian ace and may not accept anything less as he only extended his contract in December.
United unlikely to spend €100m on Bremer
Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently agreed a 25 minority stake at the club. He will take control of the footballing operations once the deal is ratified by the Premier League.
The British billionaire is eager to reduce the average age of the squad as well as the wage bill. The likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro could be sold later this year.
Ratcliffe has also questioned the club’s lavish spending in the transfer market. In our opinion, the club are likely to be more cautious with their approach this summer.
While funds could be available, we may not see the club paying over the odds for any player.
Bremer would be a quality acquisition with his good ball-playing ability, physical and aerial presence in the box, but he will be 27 in just over a month’s time.
We simply don’t see Ratcliffe handing €100m to land his signature. The focus could instead lie on securing a deal for Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro, for example.
Yoro is valued at €60m as he enters the final year of his contract this July. The 18-year-old could be seen as a superb long-term signing with his immense potential.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
