Man Utd 'attentive' to Serie A star's contract standoff as Juventus teenager linked

Manchester United will look to record a fourth straight win across all competitions for the first time this season when they go to Aston Villa on Sunday. Erik ten Hag's side cruised past West Ham last weekend, continuing their excellent start to 2024.

While Ten Hag and his players focus on football, incoming shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and those immediately below him continue to plan ahead, with United set for a summer of major change. In the meantime, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest headlines from Old Trafford.

Maignan contract uncertainty

United are among a number of sides keeping close tabs on Mike Maignan, who is in talks over a new contract at AC Milan but yet to sign one. Footmercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that talks are ongoing between club and player and there is confidence an agreement can be reached.

Nevertheless, United are joined by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in keeping tabs on the situation. Maignan has been one of Serie A's most consistent goalkeepers in recent years, particularly during their 2021/22 titie-winning campaign in which they claimed 17 clean sheets and conceded only 19 goals in 32 games.

United spent £47.2million to bring Andre Onana across from Inter Milan last summer but the Cameroon international's start to life in Manchester has been sketchy at best.

Juventus wonderkid eyed

United are also thought to be keeping a close eye on Dean Huijsen, the Juventus defender currently on loan at Roma. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that they could face competition from Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Huijsen has only made five league appearances for Roma this season, four of which have come from the bench, but the 18-year-old has attracted interest nonetheless. He could be one of several youngsters offloaded by Juventus as they look to raise funds for first-team investment.

United will be in the market for multiple defensive reinforcements, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both set to leave as free agents when their respective contracts expire in the summer. There is also uncertainty around the future of Harry Maguire, who was up for sale last year.