Man Utd 'express interest' in shock move for ex-player | OneFootball

Manchester United could mount a shock move for former loan player Sergio Reguilon as the club seeks to strengthen defensively ahead of the 2024/25 season.

United conceded close to a century of goals across all competitions last season, with manager Erik ten Hag given an enormous headache from injuries ruling out most of his defenders at various times. Reguilon was initially recruited on loan late last summer as cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but that deal was cut short in January when it seemed the crisis was easing.

He went on to complete the campaign at loan at Brentford, but has since returned to parent club Tottenham Hotspur, where he isn't expected to have a future.

Now, in a shock twist, AS reports that United have "expressed interest" in bringing Reguilon back to Old Trafford. But they aren't the only club in the hunt. West Ham are too, with new boss Julen Lopetegui having successfully worked with the player at Sevilla in the past.

Sergio Reguilon finished last season at Brentford after Man Utd cut his loan deal short / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

Across Europe, Juventus have shown interest, particularly because Alex Sandro has left the club.

United are targeting the centre of defence as a priority this summer. Raphael Varane has already left the club and an approach for Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, who was a key part of Erik ten Hag's successful Ajax side, is well underway after he was priced at just £42m.

Even with De Ligt potentially coming in, United haven't ruled out also going for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as well. The 21-year-old Englishman could balance a new look central defensive partnership, but is reported to be 'agitated' by a lack of progress in negotiations.

An original offer starting at £35m was rebuffed by Everton, who have valued him at £70m.