Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £46m bid for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti if they fail to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made Maguire his no. 1 transfer target, but the Premier League side are yet to make an offer which meets Leicester’s demands.
It is understood the club are still keen on sealing a deal for the England international, but in case they fail to secure his signature executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is said to have his eye on a number of alternatives.
According to Le 10 Sport, Umtiti has emerged as a serious consideration for Old Trafford chiefs – and they have made contact with the Catalan club over a possible move.
The report states United are ready to offer €50m (£46m) to Barcelona, however, Camp Nou dealmakers have placed a €60m (£55m) price tag on the Frenchman’s head.
Umtiti was displaced as Gerard Pique’s first-choice centre-back partner by Clement Lenglet last term and could be persuaded to join United, where he would be assured of more game time.
However, the Red Devils’ lack of Champions League football could be a stumbling block in the deal and Umtiti could be determined to fight for his place in Ernersto Valverde’s first-team.
Maguire’s proposed move intensified after he missed training this week, although his team-mate James Maddison jokingly confirmed he was suffering from illness.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers recently told talkSPORT: “Harry is a top class player and of course this has attracted interest, with two bids coming in.
“But they are nowhere near to meeting the valuation of the club. Harry is relaxed about it, we are, he’s been absolutely brilliant.
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“I really have to add, because I have been in this situation a number of times where it can be very, very difficult for players.
“And in these circumstances it can be very easy for him not to play, but he wanted to be with the squad.”