Manchester United are in pole position to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba this summer, according to Fussballdaten.
The Red Devils have already secured a verbal agreement to land Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who will formally join next month.
There could be one or two more midfield additions in the coming weeks, but the club are also looking to strengthen other positions.
Fussballdaten now claim that United are the frontrunners to land Lukeba, who has a release clause between £69 million and £77 million.
There is an internal agreement from Leipzig to permit a summer sale, but it could take a package of £52m-£56m to prise him away.
Barcelona have been in regular contact with his representatives, but United are in ‘pole position’, having begun ‘concrete talks’ with his camp.
Man Utd may not pursue a marquee centre-back
The Red Devils currently have Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt vying for the right centre-back role. De Ligt recently underwent back surgery, and he is anticipated to return in the first half of next season.
Meanwhile, United have Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven vying for the left centre-back role. Lukeba, being left-footed, would compete with the duo if he were to join the Red Devils during the transfer window.
In our view, it appears unlikely that United will make a huge outlay on a marquee centre-back.
Lukeba had a relatively good 2025/26 season. He had a passing accuracy of 90 percent in the Bundesliga, winning 63 percent of his duels. He made five recoveries per game with a solitary tackle.
Despite his good statistics, the Frenchman is not the most imposing in the air with his height (184cm). He made three high-profile defensive errors last term, with one of those leading to a goal.
Lukeba undoubtedly has huge potential at 23, and a deal could ultimately depend on the budget. If United were to end up spending over £150m on midfield recruits, a move seems unlikely.
Aside from shoring up their midfield, the club are also exploring a new left-back, a left winger, a backup striker and a deputy goalkeeper. A new centre-back may not be at the top of their priorities.
Even if they pursue one, the focus could be on a cost-effective solution to provide cover in De Ligt’s absence. We believe Elche’s David Affengruber would be a good acquisition and could be prised away for around £26m this summer.
Stats from Sofascore.com