Manchester United targeting two signings in summer transfer window to solve 10-year problem

Manchester United are eyeing two central defensive signings in the summer transfer window.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen are among the centre backs United have tracked to address their porous defence.

United have sieved 51 goals in the Premier League this season and used 28 different back fours across their 47 fixtures.

Three centre backs could also leave in the summer. Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are approaching the final two months of their contract and Victor Lindelof's deal expires next year.

The trio are currently sidelined through injury but United have indicated all three are expected to play again this season.

Branthwaite, 21, has earned plaudits for his performances this season and he was named in the England squad for the first time last month.

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Tapsoba, 25, has played an integral role in Bayer Leverkusen's first-ever Bundesliga win. Leverkusen have operated with a back three under coach Xabi Alonso.

United have failed to settle on a long-term defensive axis since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left in the same summer in 2014. Varane and Lisandro Martinez showed promise last season but both have been beset by injury.

Harry Maguire has impressed this season after United accepted a £30million offer to sign him from West Ham in August. Maguire, 31, is about to enter the final year of his contract but United have the option of an additional year.

Lindelof, 29, joined United from Benfica in 2017 for a fee rising to £39m. Unless he plays in three of United's five remaining games, this will be only the second season the Swede has failed to break the