Manchester United are leading the race for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, according to a report from Germany.
The Red Devils are poised for a busy summer as they look to strengthen their ranks after securing a return to the Champions League.
Last summer, the Old Trafford outfit spent around £200million on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Senne Lammens and Benjamin Sesko. The quartet have all proved sound investments and the Red Devils will be keen to get it right in the transfer market again as they face a busier schedule next campaign.
Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho - who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa - have all been released as Michael Carrick eyes new recruits.
Man Utd leading chase for Castello Lukeba
Castello Lukeba
One player of interest to United is Lukeba from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
According to Fussball Daten in Germany, the Red Devils are the 'leading suitors' to sign the highly-rated centre-back. He has a reported release clause in his contract of around £77million.
His deal with Leipzig runs until 2029 but the report claims he is 'ready for a new challenge' after three years at the club.
The United hierarchy have already opened 'concrete talks' with the player's agent as they look to win the race for the 23-year-old, who has been described as 'one of the best young centre-backs in Europe'. The Red Devils already have several options in central defence.
Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are the current players at Carrick's disposal and it is unclear what Lukeba's potential arrival would mean for the current crop of centre-backs.
Man Utd face competition for Castello Lukeba
Hansi Flick
United face a battle to sign Lukeba, however.
Spanish giants Barcelona - fresh off winning a second-straight La Liga title - want to bring the player to the Camp Nou.
They have reached out to the player's agent to see how a deal could be structured as they are unlikely to pay his £77million release clause.
There is Premier League competition for the defender too.
Chelsea have been long-term admirers, along with Manchester City. Tottenham Hotspur also like the player but are only likely to attempt a move if Micky van de Ven departs the North London club this window.
World Cup 2026 Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
United and City can offer the player Champions League football while Chelsea and Spurs are not in any European competitions next campaign.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also credited with an interest. It is claimed Leipzig could accept an offer below £77million but would still want at least £50million to part ways with Lukeba.
Manchester United senior officials Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada look on Related
Key Target: Man Utd Hold Talks to Sign Liverpool Winger
He could be part of a double Manchester United transfer swoop on their rivals