Man Utd wade into race for Barcelona & Real Madrid free transfer target | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly joined the jostling queue of suitors interested in snapping up Jonathan Tah when his Bayer Leverkusen contract expires in the summer.

Tah established himself among the world's most commanding centre-backs during Bayer Leverkusen's triumphant Bundesliga campaign last season and has since emerged as one of the most keenly sought-after free agents after deciding to run down his existing deal.

Barcelona have long been rated as the Tah's most likely destination, with various reports at the start of the season claiming that an agreement had already been struck. However, the club's strict financial constraints ensure that nothing has yet been signed, opening the door for other interested parties.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited with interest in the 29-year-old defender and now United are billed as "contenders" by Sky Sports News.

United are expected to be in the market for a new central defender this summer. Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will both be out of contract in June, while Harry Maguire's future remains mired in uncertainty.

Real Madrid were reportedly offered the chance to sign Tah only to turn him down. That stance could dramatically shift if Leverkuen boss Xabi Alonso takes over at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Tah has never shied away from lauding the impact of Alonso, who he describes as an "outstanding coach both tactically and personally". "Xabi Alonso has taken me to a new level," the centre-back continued. "Now I'm even more unpleasant because I always have my opponent in my sight."

The affection is mutual. Alonso has previously hailed Tah as "one of the world's best defenders". "I am really happy for him because he deserves all the praise and all the good moments he's living," the proud coach beamed.

Sky Sport Germany report that Bayern Munich are "seriously looking" into a deal for Tah, with talks said to "ongoing". The record Bundesliga champions were keen last summer, failing to secure an agreement with Leverkusen. But the race for his signature is very much on.