Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified the central defensive position as an area of major weakness at Old Trafford, with plans reportedly in place to bring in TWO big-name stars to fix their issues this summer.

The Red Devils have chopped and changed their central defensive partnerships this season, with various combinations of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez marshalling the cental defence for Manchester United. Of those, it is Varane who has played the most times, figuring in 30 appearances, while both Maguire and Lindelof have featured 27 times apiece.

However, with Varane’s future under the spotlight amid claims Ratcliffe would be open to the idea of moving him on, and with veteran star Evans falling out of contract at the season’s end, it’s reported that the British billionaire – given full sporting control by the Glazers as part of his £1.3bn investment into 27.7% of the club – has identified the position as a major weakness in the club’s armoury.

Indeed, despite the wealth of options at his disposal there, Erik ten Hag was forced to field another new partnership on Sunday as teenage star Willy Kambwala was selected alongside Maguire at the heart of the defence against Liverpool.

As it goes, the 19-year-old did his cause no harm with a pretty solid display against Jurgen Klopp’s side, proving himself another useful option to club chiefs. As a result, the Red Devils are reportedly set to offer the former Sochaux prospect a new deal, replacing the arrangement currently in place which is due to expire in summer 2025.

Ratcliffe outlines plans to sign defensive duo for Man Utd

Opportunities for Kambwala are likely to continue to present themselves to United over the remainder of the season, especially in light of Martinez’s ongoing fitness issues that have near-enough destroyed his second season at Old Trafford.

However, with both Evans and Varane expected to move on, Ratcliffe has earmarked two defensive additions this summer – and is reportedly willing to spend big to land his men.According to the Daily Mirror, United’s top target is Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season with the Toffees, forcing his way into the England squad and underling himself as one of the country’s leading young centre-halves.

However, with the Toffees’ financial troubles well documented, it’s believed they will likely have to consider the sale of at least one big-name player this summer.

To that end, TEAMtalk sources have confirmed United’s interest in the former PSV loanee is genuine and that a concrete effort to bring him to Old Trafford will be made this summer.

As a result, Everton are placing a minimum £75m fee on the defender’s head – a price Ratcliffe is reportedly willing to meet.

Man Utd also keen on Gleison Bremer as Juventus find replacement

He is not the only defender on their radar either, with United’s incoming new sporting director Dan Ashworth also reportedly pushing the club towards the capture of Juventus defender Gleison Bremer too.

The Brazilian is one of the most feared centre-halves in Serie A and has a clause that allows him to leave for €60m (£50m) in summer 2025.

However, il Corriere dello Sport claims United are asking Juve about the possibility of a deal for the 27-year-old this summer. However, if the Bianconeri are to sell, it is likely they will stand by that asking price as a benchmark for a possible deal.

Per the report, Juve are tempted by his possible sale, not just by way of making a substantial profit on their initial €40m fee paid to Torino, but also because they have already sounded out a potential replacement in the form of Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori.

The 26-year-old left-back was once a key player for the Gunners but injuries and new additions such as Oleksandr Zinchenko saw him fall down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.

Tierney signed for Real Sociedad on a season-long loan in August, where once again he’s struggled with injuries but has performed well when available.

He has made 21 appearances for the Spanish side so far, contributing two assists in the process, and they would be interested in keeping him beyond this term.

TEAMtalk sources state that Tierney will return to Arsenal in the summer, however, but he has already been informed that he will be available for sale.

The Scottish international intends to use the European Championships as a way to display his talents and hopes to catch the attention of top European sides.

Sources: Aston Villa interested in Kieran Tierney

TEAMtalk can reveal that Aston Villa are one of the most interested clubs in signing Tierney this summer.

Unai Emery is keen to bring in a new left-back to provide competition for Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno and the Scotsman is seen as an ideal candidate.

There have also been rumours that Aston Villa could part ways with either Digne or Moreno as Emery isn’t fully convinced by either of the defenders.

Tierney’s former club Celtic have also been keeping close tabs on the Arsenal star’s situation and would love to bring him back to Glasgow if they get the opportunity.

TEAMtalk understands that the Gunners will consider bids in the region of £25m for Tierney, which is what they signed him for back in 2019.

This is thought to be beyond Celtic’s financial capabilities, leaving Aston Villa as the favourites to bring him in.

Tierney hopes that he can put in some good performances in the Euros and that will attract the attention of other top European sides.

Fabrizio Romano insists Liverpool remain very much focused on appointing Ruben Amorim as their next manager despite claims appearing to dismiss FSG’s plans for Portuguese coach and with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes also well aware of his capabilities.

The Merseysiders are preparing to bid an emotional farewell to iconic manager Jurgen Klopp at the season’s end, with the German set to close the chapter on almost nine glorious years in the Anfield dug-out. In that time, Liverpool have managed to get their hands on seven pieces of major silverware – and Klopp could yet add two more trophies to that haul before his time is up on Merseyside.With Klopp and his squad very much focused on adding the Premier League and the Europa League trophies to the Carabao Cup they have already claimed this season, work has gone on behind the scenes on landing on the very best successor to step into the German’s shoes.

Their initial top target in Xabi Alonso has ruled himself out the running after publicly declaring his loyalty to Bayer Leverkusen. However, they have been presented with something of an open goal for another of their options in Amorim, who has also worked wonders this season for Sporting Lisbon.

Indeed, TEAMtalk was the first to break the news back in February that Alonso was to snub the opportunity to coach the Reds, leaving FSG to instead switch their focus to Amorim as a Plan B.

Now those reports have gathered serious pace with sources revealing to TEAMtalk that Amorim has informed his bosses at Sporting that he wants to take on the opportunity presented him at Anfield and amid reports that a three-year deal is on the table at Anfield.

Fabrizio Romano clarifies Amorim to Liverpool rumours

Those reports were since substantiated by Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, who claims the Reds have reached a verbal agreement with the 39-year-old on a deal until summer 2027.

However, with Liverpool presumably briefing BBC Sport, they were one of a number of outlets to then deny such claims, reporting that suggestions ‘a preferred candidate has been identified and acted upon, would be wholly inaccurate’.That denial has since provoked a response from Romano, who writing in his latest column for Caught Offside, has confirmed that contacts have been made for Amorim, who remains Liverpool’s ‘favoured candidate’ for the job.“Ruben Amorim is the favoured candidate for Liverpool for sure, but we still have to wait and see because Liverpool are discussing this possibility internally, while they have also made contacts with people close to Amorim. This is significant because it’s not something they did with Roberto de Zerbi or some of the other names we’ve seen in the media in recent weeks,” Romano said.

“So, Amorim remains a strong candidate – they are well informed on his contract situation and there will be more discussions over him becoming the new Liverpool manager.

“As previously reported, there is an agreement with Sporting for Amorim to leave for around €10m if a top club comes in for him, even if his formal release clause for clubs outside Portugal is €20m. This could be a boost for Liverpool.”

Next Liverpool manager: Bruno Fernandes a huge fan of top FSG target

With Amorim’s release reportedly costing Liverpool a far more modest £8.5m, a number of leading figures have come to the fore expressing their admiration for the work done by the Portuguese coach.

He has won an impressive 152 of his 215 matches in charge, giving him an incredible 70.70% win percentage record since taking charge at Sporting CP in March 2020.

One man who has followed his career closely is Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who played with distinction for the capital club for two and a half years, prior to his £67.6m move to Old Trafford in January 2020.

Prior to his links with Liverpool, Amorim was interviewed by Chelsea last summer and has also been touted as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Having followed his development closely, Fernandes was asked about Amorim’s impact at the Lions, and has highlighted what a top coach he is.

Fernandes also reckons Amorim is more than capable of taking the next step in his career, though for obvious reasons, now hopes that he remains at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

“If he really takes the next step – I hope he stays at Sporting – but if he takes the next step, I think all the qualities are there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football,” Fernandes told SportTV.

“Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there and he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.

“But it will depend on the clubs, the directors, whether they want to pay the Sporting’s release clause or not.”

Plaudits keep on coming for Amorim

As well as Fernandes, Amorim has also come in for praise from former Liverpool defender Abel Xavier, who took his coaching badges alongside the 39-year-old.

And the former Liverpool full-back, who played for the Reds between 2001 and 2003, believes his compatriot is the ideal candidate to succeed Klopp in the Anfield dug-out.

“I know him very well. We finished the UEFA coaching badges course together and Ruben really impressed me. He is very humble and has a clear mentality,” Xavier said.

“He’s destined to leave Sporting and when you have three or four possibilities to join big clubs like this, his name will always be at one of the top clubs, that’s for sure. He’s under contract at Sporting and doesn’t want to get distracted by things that are going on elsewhere.”

Amorim’s brand of football has also won over an army of admirers with Xavier informing the BBC World Service of what a top young coach he is.

He added: “For the first time in years, Sporting can win the ‘dobradinha’ [league and cup double]. But I believe and I think almost everyone believes that Amorim’s tenure at Sporting will end very soon.

After Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season, Liverpool swiftly made Alonso their No 1 target to replace the German. Not only has Alonso caught Liverpool’s attention by helping Leverkusen go on a sensational unbeaten campaign so far, but he also has the admiration of the Liverpool supporters following his time there as a player.

However, the former midfielder will not become Klopp’s successor this summer as he has decided to reject interest from both Liverpool and Bayern Munich in order to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.

When clarifying his momentous decision, Alonso said: “I had a good meeting with Bayer Leverkusen and I informed them that I will stay and continue at the club. After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision. This is the place to be for me.

“My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club, help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here. I’m still [a] young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that.

“I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans. I feel that this is the best way, to continue together. I have also informed the players, it’s true.

“My deadline was this week, it’s [a] matter of respect. Now everything is clear.”

Liverpool have since reached a verbal agreement with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, who is poised to sign a three-year contract.

Xabi Alonso to steal winger from Liverpool grasp

But the Merseyside giants could be handed more misery by Alonso amid claims Leverkusen will provide them with competition for Summerville.

The left winger has been in sensational form for Leeds United this season, registering 18 goals and nine assists in 42 games.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Chelsea are monitoring his exciting development, while Liverpool and Tottenham joined the hunt on April 5.

But according to German outlet Bild, Leverkusen will try to take Summerville to the Bundesliga.

Leverkusen are scouring Europe for the most ‘technical’ and ‘well trained’ players to add to their squad, and their scouts have been very impressed by Summerville.

Should clubs such as Liverpool and Spurs bid for the 22-year-old, then Leverkusen will get involved too.

Leverkusen do not have as much money as their English counterparts, though they think Alonso could play a key role in the negotiations.

Summerville would likely be attracted by the opportunity to play under the Spaniard and help Leverkusen win more trophies next season. They look set to win the German title and are also in the frame to lift both the Europa League and German Cup.

Ruben Amorim wants Liverpool to make a top Porto star the first signing of his new era at Anfield, Leeds are sweating as Xabi Alonso ordered Bayer Leverkusen to sign their top star, while Man Utd are chasing a club-record deal for a €150m-rated attacker.

AMORIM WANTS ALAN VARELA AS FIRST SIGNING OF LIVERPOOL ERA

Incoming new Liverpool manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly requested the Reds bring Porto star Alan Varela to the club as plans for his new era at Anfield get underway.

The Reds have seemingly settled on the appointment of Sporting Lisbon coach Amorim as the successor to Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside after drawing a blank with their first option for the vacancy in Xabi Alonso.

The hunt for Klopp’s successor is being led by returning Michael Edwards – in his sparkly new role as CEO of footballl – and he has honed in on the 39-year-old as his new top pick.

And with TEAMtalk sources revealing Amorim has told Sporting he wants to make the move to Liverpool this summer, Edwards has reportedly held preliminary talks with his agent, Raul Costa, over a move to Anfield. And we understand Liverpool are offering Amorim, who boasts a 70.70% win percentage record at Sporting CP, a three-year deal to make the switch this summer.Now according to reports in Portugal, Amorim has already handed Liverpool a list of would-be targets for when he takes charge at Anfield this summer.

Now as part of those talks, it’s claimed Amorim has asked Edwards signs Porto’s dynamic midfielder Varela as the first signing of his new era on Anfield.

Liverpool learn price needed to sign Porto star

Thankfully for Amorim, Liverpool are already quite far down the line in their quest to sign the Argentina Under-23s international.

He was on their radar prior to his move to Porto last summer, with the Reds ultimately deciding to pin their focus instead on the additions of Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and the brilliant Alexis Mac Allister.

As a result, it was Porto who pushed through his signing for a bargain €8m with €3m in add-ons last summer from Boca Juniors.

However, he has hit the ground the running in the Primeira Liga and quickly established himself as not just one of the best defensive midfielders in Portugal, but also in European football.

His form has already seen Liverpool sit up and take notice of his performances, even prior to their move for Amorim, and O Jogo now claims that their interest has stepped up a notch, having scouted the 22-year-old in great detail in recent weeks.

Indeed, the Portuguese outlet has confirmed the Reds sent an official to the Estadio do Dragao to watch Varela live in action against Vitoria Guimaraes SC on Sunday.

Any deal, however, will not come cheap.

Per the report, the player is protected by a deal to 2028 which includes a €70m (£59.9m) release clause.

It’s suggested there could be some room for negotiation on that but with Amorim making it clear he wants the midfielder as his first signing at Anfield, Porto are likely to try and get as close to that as possible.

Amorim has reportedly identified the base of Liverpool’s midfield as a potential weakness and sees the addition of the 22-year-old – who boasts impressive stats this season – as a key step to fixing that issue and finding a long-term successor to Fabinho as No 6.

Enzo was brought in last summer and has done well for the Reds this season. But at 31-years-of-age, the Reds know they need a long-term solution in there.

Amorim is also expected to target a new central defender too and links to Sporting’s dominant centre-half Goncalo Inacio are also expected to gather pace once the 39-year-old’s appointment at Anfield has been confirmed.

ALONSO TO CELEBRATE BAYER STAY WITH HUGE RAID ON LEEDS

Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville has scouts from Bayer Leverkusen watching him with Xabi Alonso keen to celebrate his decision to stay at the club this summer with a big-money move to bring him to the BayArena. (SportBILD)

Feyenoord have called striker Santiago Gimenez into a summit meeting with the club amid claims his agent has fielded enquiries from both Tottenham and Napoli over a possible summer move and in an effort to find out if the €50m-rated Mexican intends to stay or leave. (Corriere dello Sport)

Sources in Italy have confirmed Mason Greenwood is very much Juventus’ top transfer target this summer as the Italians look to prise the 22-year-old away from Manchester United in a big-money deal. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

AC Milan are warning Theo Hernandez’s suitors that it would take an offer of €100m (£85.5m) to prise the French full-back away from the San Siro amid claims Manchester United and Chelsea are sounding him out. (various)

Chelsea plan to send youngster Kendry Paez to Strasbourg next season when he joins the club on a permanent basis from Ecuador. (El Canal del Futbol)

The agent for Lazio captain Ciro Immobile, Alessandro Moggi, insists his client wants to stay where he is amid claims he is the subject of an approach from Napoli who want him in a swap deal for Giovanni Simeone. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Liverpool are in danger of losing both Mo Salah and Luis Diaz this summer with PSG very much intent on prising the Colombian away from Anfield as a successor to Kylian Mbappe. (various)

VILLA PREPARE GIANT OFFER TO TEMPT ATLETICO MADRID STAR TO SIGN

Aston Villa have launched a giant offer to prise Atletico Madrid’s Mario Hermoso to Villa Park this summer, with his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano due to expire this summer. (Calciomercato)

Jorge Mendes is trying to engineer a swap deal between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid with Joao Felix set to make a move to the Nou Camp permanent and with Ansu Fati moving to the Spanish capital as part of a swap deal. (Relevo)

Arsenal are battling Manchester United to sign Wolves’ Brazil midfielder Joao Gomes, 23, this summer, amid claims an offer of £60m would tempt the Molineux outfit to sell. (O Dia)

PSG are not on the trail of Barcelona midfielder Gavi this summer and have no intentions of trying to lure him to the Parc des Princes, despite being an admirer of his services. (Fabrizio Romano)

Tottenham are very much on the trail of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but face strong competition from both Chelsea and Barcelona for the 21-year-old Spain winger, who has a €50m (£42.8m) clause in his deal. (Sport)

Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos is reluctant to stay beyond the end of his deal this summer amid speculation that a move to MLS is gathering pace. (Relevo)

MAN UTD EXPLORE MAMMOTH DEAL TO SIGN MILAN WINGER

Manchester United are looking into a club record summer move for Rafael Leao and will not be put off by AC Milan’s mammoth €150m asking price for the Portuguese winger. (various)

Man Utd are taking a fancy to AC Milan winger Rafael Leao

Juventus have opened talks for Mattia Zaccagni with the Lazio winger set to leave with a year left on his deal. (Corriere di Roma)

Girona sporting director Quique Carcel is hopeful that their captain Aleix Garcia will not be lured away by Barcelona this summer. (Mundo Deportivo)Real Madrid are hoping for a cash windfall this summer after talented 22-year-old midfielder Sergio Arribas admitted he is keen to leave Almeria. (AS)