Man Utd ‘make contact’ for £22m star as two exits tipped

Manchester United have ‘made contact’ with AS Monaco over a potential deal for defender Axel Disasi, according to an update from French outlet Telefoot. The 24-year-old predominantly features as a centre-back for the Ligue 1 outfit, but is also capable of playing on the right side of defence.

It is understood that alongside the Red Devils, German giants Bayern Munich also hold an interest in the player, with talks already underway between the concerned parties. Disasi is reportedly valued at around £22 million by his current employers, although Telefoot also suggest that he ‘should’ remain with Monaco until at least the end of the season.

While United are currently well-stocked at the heart of defence, there remains a good chance that Erik ten Hag’s options could be diminished in the near future. As things stand, Phil Jones is expected to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the season, while Axel Tuanzebe has been touted for a potential loan exit in the latter stages of the transfer window. Meanwhile, speculation has mounted over Harry Maguire’s long-term future at the club in recent times. In the event of that trio leaving, Ten Hag would be left with just Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof as senior central defensive choices.

For his part, Disasi would represent a relatively experienced and versatile addition. As well as amassing over a century of senior appearances for Monaco since arriving at the club from Reims in 2020, the defender is also a French international, and featured three times during his nation’s run to the World Cup final in Qatar this winter.