Manchester United are set to face fierce competition from Chelsea in the race to sign Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer this summer.
The Red Devils are expected to sign at least one centre-back during the summer transfer window and they have been constantly linked with Bremer.
The Brazil international signed a new long-term contract with the Bianconeri in December, but there is a low release clause of around €50 million.
United have identified him as their number one target, but Fichajes claim that the Blues are set to provide stiff competition in the pursuit of Bremer.
The London outfit see him as a potential replacement for Thiago Silva whose contract expires in June.
United have a big decision to make over Bremer
The Red Devils are prioritising a new central defender ahead of next season. They seem focused on signing someone experienced over an emerging star.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has also been linked with the club, but as things stand, he is the second-choice target. His arrival could depend on player sales.
Bremer has been one of the best performing centre-backs in the Italian top-flight. His attributes would make him a good fit for United and the Premier League.
This season, the Brazilian star has completed 87 per cent of his passes. He has averaged four clearances, 5.3 recoveries and 1.7 tackles per outing, winning 60 per cent of his duels.
United boss Erik ten Hag is eyeing a physical strong centre-back. The club have identified Bremer as the ‘ideal‘ candidate. The club should be pro-active to avoid losing him to Chelsea.
Qualifying for Europe should put them in a strong position to secure his services. However, a deal won’t be straightforward due to the potential high wage demands of Bremer.
The defender already earns €178,000-a-week (£152,000-a-week) at Juventus. He may want his salary hiked to the region of £250,000-a-week if he were to move to Old Trafford.
This would be less than the £340,000-a-week that Raphael Varane currently earns. The question is whether United should keep hold of Varane instead for a similar package.
The Frenchman’s contract with the Red Devils expires at the end of June. The hierarchy have opted against triggering an extension clause on his current weekly salary.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Capology.com & Sofascore.com
