Man Utd make £43m centre-back 'top priority' for summer transfer as Erik ten Hag eyes defensive reinforcements

Manchester United have set their sights on defensive reinforcements this summer with reports suggesting Gleison Bremer of Juventus has become a 'top priority'.

United look set for a summer of major investment as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe attempts to stamp his authority on the club. The Ineos chief was confirmed as a minority stakeholder last month but will control footballing operations and is keen to make a splash in the transfer market.

Central defence has long been considered a key area to strengthen in the summer and multiple names in the Premier League and across Europe have been mentioned. The i now reports that alongside well-known target Jarrad Branthwaite, Bremer has risen to the top of United's summer shopping list.

Bremer has been almost ever-present at the heart of Juventus' defence this season, starting 27 of their 28 league matches and playing more Serie A minutes than anyone else at the club. The 26-year-old has been a crucial part of the division's second-best defence, having conceded just 23 goals all season.

Juventus tied Bremer down to a five-year contract around the turn of the year but that deal contains a release clause, believed to be worth around £43million. Such an amount would be very manageable for United, especially for what could be their No.1 target in the position. There is interest elsewhere, however, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also eyeing a summer move.

It is likely that more than one central defender comes through the doors at United amid concerns over the longevity of their current options. Three of their five centre-backs are 30 or above while Victor Lindelof will also reach that threshold this summer.

Lisandro Martinez is the only one all but guaranteed a place in Erik ten Hag's long-term plans, with Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane set to leave as free agents this summer while Harry Maguire and Lindelof may both be sold. Branthwaite remains a strong target, while interest remains in the likes of OGC Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen.