Calvin Bassey in action for Fulham, with Michael Carrick in a circular inset
Calvin Bassey in action for Fulham, with Michael Carrick in a circular inset
The 26-year-old is enjoying a strong season for Fulham, and has impressed watching scouts with his performances over the last couple of seasons since his move from Rangers.
Michael Carrick's team are determined to strengthen their defensive options, especially on the left-hand side of the back line, and the Fulham star is firmly on their radar.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Bassey has been identified as a target ahead of the January transfer window and could be tempted away.
That is despite Alvaro Arbeloa's recent comments about his plans to keep the Nigeria international, who he has labelled "one of the best centre-backs in the world".
Bassey's current contract at Fulham is set to expire at the end of the season, although he has a one-year extension clause which is likely to be triggered promptly.
Could Man United make a move for Calvin Bassey?
Brown told Football Insider on 18 October that Man United are working to identify centre-back targets as they expect Lisandro Martinez to leave at the end of the season.
Defensive issues have caused Carrick a number of problems this season, and there are plans in place to strengthen his back line when the January window opens.
Bassey is one of a number of names on their list, but given his displays in the Premier League, he could be the one Man United target to strengthen their back line.
"Calvin Bassey is a player I've admired for a long time, even back when he played for Rangers," Brown told Football Insider.
"I thought he was excellent there, so physically dominant, but also comfortable on the ball, could play at left-back as well, and he's improved since he joined Fulham.
"Now, he's got plenty of experience in the Premier League, is playing every week for Fulham as one of their most important players, and is a real top defender.
"So it comes as no surprise to me that he is on Man United's radar, because he fits the bill of what they're looking to bring in.
"They want a left-sided defender because it's an area where they are really weak, and Bassey is somebody who would be an upgrade on the players they've already got.
"Obviously Fulham aren't going to want to let him go, but I think there is every chance he could be tempted to leave if Man United make an offer."
Which other defenders are on Man United's radar?
Bassey is not the only defender on Man United's radar as they accelerate plans to strengthen their back line, not just in January but ahead of next summer's transfer window.
Scouts have been assessing a number of players both in the Premier League and abroad, with a left-sided centre-back currently top of their list of new additions.
Football Insider revealed on 25 October that Jarrad Branthwaite is a top target for Man United, and they are keeping a close eye on his performances for Everton.
The 24-year-old also recently won his first England cap in over two years after a strong start to the campaign under David Moyes, and has placed his suitors on high alert.
Man United are among the frontrunners to be Branthwaite's next club as they plan big changes to their backline, having previously failed with offers for the centre-back.