Manchester United sent a representative to watch Napoli star Alessandro Buongiorno in action against Empoli in Serie A, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Red Devils bolstered their central defensive department with the signings of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt during the recent summer transfer window.
However, there could be more transfer activity in the position next year, considering Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof as well as Jonny Evans could make way.
TMW today claim that United had an official at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday to track Buongiorno, who joined Napoli from Torino for £33 million in July 2024.
The 24-year-old has been an undisputed starter for the Naples outfit. It is reported that the central defender is expected to cost more than £58m next summer.
United likely to spend big on another centre-back
The Red Devils have added quality in central defence with Yoro and De Ligt. Together with Lisandro Martinez, the club have a strong core for the coming seasons.
However, manager Erik ten Hag may want another young option in the squad, considering there could be multiple departures in the defensive department next summer.
Lindelof and Evans are in the final years of their contracts and could be released. United have the choice to keep Maguire for another 12 months, but they are more likely to cash in.
Buongiorno could be a possible candidate to fill the void. The Italian has had a fine start at Napoli. He has completed 89% of his passes in Serie A with 65% of his duels won.
The centre-back has averaged two successful tackles and 3.9 recoveries per outing alongside three clearances. He has kept five clean sheets from the first seven games.
United are lacking another specialist left-footed centre-back to compete with Martinez and Buongiorno could emerge as a realistic target if he continues to excel at Napoli.
The Red Devils obviously have a long-term interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but the Toffees’ non-negotiable price tag of £75m could see them consider Buongiorno.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com