Manchester United battling arch rivals for ideal Harry Maguire partner

Manchester United face competition to sign a defensive target.

With Manchester United reaching a breakpoint in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho, the club executives are focussed towards working on other transfer targets- with Jack Grealish anticipated to be a point of discussion in upcoming weeks.

Before United hierarchy presses ahead with a high-profile signing besides Jadon Sancho, an audit to gauge the finances would take place, meaning a few low budget moves and sales to balance the account books- which has taken a severe hit in the midst of coronavirus crisis.

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Planning for at least three signings, centre-back is an area where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seeking a reinforcement to add competition for Victor Lindelof and upcoming talents Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi. The idea of an aggressive left-footed defender is put through to add a new dimension to Man United’s back-four.

In that profile, Lille OSC’s Gabriel Magalhaes has been identified as an able fit to partner Reds’ skipper Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence. It is understood that Manchester United are in the race with Everton and Napoli to sign the Brazilian centre-half.

Having already presented their offer to Gabriel’s entourage, an official bid of €30million would be made should Man United receive a green signal from the player. But, now Man United face competition with another English club, Arsenal, who themselves are looking to refresh their defence further despite the arrival of William Saliba.

As per reports from France Bleu Nord via The Metro, Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit for Gabriel Magalhaes and could present their official bid to Lille OSC, with whom the Gunners have good relations since the transfer deal involving Nicolas Pepe.

Considering the sensational edge to the aforementioned story, it might be a ploy from the French club to accelerate the ongoing dialogues with the club and player’s entourage, thereby finalising the transfer quickly.

Recently reports from Napoli Magazine, on contrasting lines, suggest Man United have won the race ahead of SSC Napoli to secure the services of Gabriel Magalhaes.

Until the Jadon Sancho deal gains clarity, it is expected that several roundups will happen to suggest a breakthrough in negotiations for the Brazilian defender.

Do you think Manchester United will sign Gabriel Magalhaes?