Manchester United centre-back bid isn't as obvious as it seems

The rumour mills are spinning, and the list of supposed targets is growing by the day. The start of the summer transfer window brings with it plenty of speculation about who might be on the move this summer, even more so at a club the size of Manchester United.

United will dominate the headlines throughout the window and will no doubt be linked with hundreds of players by the time it finally closes at the start of September.

It will be a fluid situation, though. United have planned for a number of eventualities and those could change in a moment depending on the ongoing takeover uncertainty or the possibility of players being sold.

That is particularly important with regard to the potential addition of a centre-back.

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Erik ten Hag is understood to be open to adding another top central defender to his side this summer in order to provide further competition for places, but it is not as simple as going out and buying one for a hefty fee.

United's priorities lie elsewhere, so any move for a centre-back would most likely happen after the club has strengthened in attack and midfield first. There is also an argument that signing another goalkeeper would take priority, given concerns about David de Gea's long-term suitability to the side and Dean Henderson's expected sale.

It means signing a central defender could be ranked fourth at the very best on United's to-do list this summer, and even then, a move could only be sanctioned if they manage to sell a current senior option.

Ten Hag would ideally like to have four reliable centre-backs to call upon next season with youth team players given the chance to bolster his options in pre-season and cup