Five centre-backs Man Utd could still sign amid 'defensive revamp' including Everton and Barcelona stars

Manchester United look set for a summer of major investment as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag attempt to build a squad capable of securing Champions League football and Premier League titles. Money has not been hard to come by under the Glazer family but the lack of clear strategy or experienced decision-makers has seen it spent wastefully.

Ratcliffe once described United as 'dumb money' but will have his first chance to change that reputation in the summer. Plans are already being put in place and priority areas to strengthen identified, with central defence seemingly a key area of focus

Recent reports have suggested that as many as four of the current five centre-backs could leave in the summer, with Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane out of contract while Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire may be sold. That would leave United with a major gap to plug and so ManchesterWorld has taken a look at five of the most interesting links to potential targets.

Jean-Clair Todibo

One of the longest-standing defensive links has been to OGC Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo. United were cited with an interest in the 24-year-old throughout last summer and some reports even suggested they had a move lined up, should Maguire have left for West Ham.

Interest in Todibo remains and Nice are looking increasingly open to cashing in this summer. Most recent reports have suggested it could cost around £50m to sign the French international, with Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool also keen on a move.

Jarrad Branthwaite

Much of United's interest comes from the continent but if Premier League experience is wanted then Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite seems a likely option. The 21-year-old has only become a regular fixture for the Toffees this season but already looks like one of the countries best young defenders.

A number of clubs have been cited with interest in Branthwaite - namely Real Madrid and Arsenal - and talkSPORT has recently reported that Everton could be forced to sell this month amid ongoing financial issues. As with most links, reported price-tags vary but have risen as high as £100m.

Matthijs de Ligt

Ten Hag has made a habit of signing players he's previously worked with and if the Dutchman wants to continue that policy then Matthijs de Ligt becomes an option. The defender worked under Ten Hag at Ajax before leaving for Juventus in 2019.

Now at Bayern Munich, German outlet BILD reports of tensions between him and manager Thomas Tuchel which could encourage a move. Bayern signed De Ligt for £68m in the summer of 2022 and would expect to recoup most, if not all, of that fee with any sale.

Ronald Araujo

Interestingly, Bayern's stance on De Ligt could be softened if they succeed in their pursuit of Ronald Araujo but United are also interested in the Uruguayan and could be competing for his signature. Tuchel's side had a bid rejected for the 24-year-old this month and any exit from Barcelona will be this summer, if at all.

Like Everton, Xavi's side are working hard to balance the books and may be forced to sell a big-name star in order to strengthen throughout the squad. Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reports that any move for Araujo could cost £69m.

Leny Yoro

Much of the thinking behind United's potential defensive revamp is the desire to lower the age profile in that area and a move for 18-year-old Leny Yoro would certainly do that. The Teenager is among Europe's most coveted targets amid an impressive first couple of years with Lille's first-team.

Yoro's form and age means that just about every top European club is queuing up to make an offer this summer, with reports naming Bayern, Manchester City and Liverpool among others. Lille have reportedly slapped a £78m price-tag on their star this month, although that will likely decrease a little in the summer.