Manchester United trying to sign centre back as Harry Maguire nears exit

United have always regarded a defensive-minded player as the likeliest fourth addition of the summer and sources stressed that if Maguire leaves he will have to be replaced.

It is understood United admire Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba. The 24-year-old is under contract at Leverkusen until 2024.

Jonny Evans, 35, is not viewed as a sufficient replacement to Maguire and his short-term contract expires before the end of August. Evans is unsure if he will stay at United and he is expected to receive offers from other clubs.

United released Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe earlier this summer while fellow centre half Eric Bailly is not in manager Erik ten Hag’s plans.

Will Fish rejoined Hibernian on loan and Teden Mengi is also expected to head out on loan again now he has regained fitness.

The Manchester Evening News reported in February Maguire was among the players United had identified as sellable due to his lowly standing under Ten Hag.

United initially valued Maguire at £50m but have accepted a compromise amid their intention to recruit a defender more aligned with Ten Hag.

Maguire joined United for £80m in August 2019 – still a world record fee for a defender – and was appointed club captain in January 2020.

United’s defensive record improved with Maguire but he has been out of form since he returned to the club after a superb European Championship in the summer of 2021.

Maguire was dropped after two games last season and he was stripped of the captaincy last month.