Manchester United are now lining up a surprise move to sign a 6 ft 5 Scotland colossus on a free transfer this summer, according to Samuel Luckhurst.
Man United raced to agree their first summer signing before the World Cup got underway, with Ederson set to complete a £35m move to Old Trafford when he returns from representing Brazil in North America.
The Red Devils have made no progress on agreeing their next signing since the World Cup kicked off, although they have been working on player and club-to-club talks to bring in Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.
Two big obstacles are emerging in their bid to reunite the Portugal international with Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford though, his £85m price tag and the fact that their Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are making a big push to sign the 21-year-old as well as Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali.
United are said to value the midfielder at a much lower fee, while recent reports suggest that Spurs could be willing to meet the valuation of their London neighbours, which could put them in pole position if they get a full-player buy-in too.
Red Devils chiefs are looking at other positions on the pitch too, including in the backline.
Man United Targeting Surprise Move for Angus Gunn
Angus Gunnvia Reuters
Manchester United have always wanted to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but it will be a back-up to Senne Lammens after the Belgian's fine form last season.
Tom Heaton has already signed a new one-year deal at Old Trafford and will remain as third-choice, but there are doubts over the futures of Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, according to the Sun.
United have told Onana they want to sell him this summer after he returned from a loan spell with Trabzonspor, with the club now considering a move for Scottish free agent Angus Gunn.
The 6 ft 5 stopper has been his nation's number one at the World Cup, but is currently without a club ahead of next season.
Karl Darlow is mentioned as another target, although he is in talks with Leeds United to stay at Elland Road with his contract due to run out next week.
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Man United Lining Up Striker Deal
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds the supportersvia Reuters
The Sun adds that United see bringing in a new striker this summer to provide competition for Benjamin Sesko to be essential.
Luckhurst claims that Joshua Zirkzee is not up to the task at Old Trafford, having only scored two Premier League goals in the last 18 months for the Red Devils.
The Netherlands international has long been linked with a move back to Serie A after joining United from Bologna, but it remains to be seen whether any teams will firm up interest in him.
Zirkzee is said to be well-liked by his teammates at Carrington and was the first official signing of the INEOS era, so he isn't at the front of the queue of players they want to get rid of this summer.
However, if he doesn't leave, then it will stop United signing a new striker for Carrick.