Man Utd join race for Liverpool & Real Madrid defensive target

Manchester United have joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie, reports in Spain claim.

Head coach Ruben Amorim is searching for new players to maximise his 3-4-3 setup and will need defensive reinforcements this summer as both Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans prepare to depart when their contracts expire.

There have been links to Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio - one of many Sporting stars tipped to reunite with their former boss at Old Trafford - and Spanish publication SPORT have named United among the many suitors of Leverkusen star Hincapie.

Madrid's interest could be tied to the future of Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who is widely expected to become the next Madrid manager when Carlo Ancelotti departs, whether that be this summer or in 2026.

Hincapie's release clause, reported to sit at an affordable €50m (£42.7m), has attracted interest from a number of sides. United and Tottenham Hotspur have both entered the fray, reaching out to the Ecuador international's representatives to explore a summer deal.

United are hopeful of raising significant funds through player sales. Loanees Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho are all available for permanent transfers, while doubts remain over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and even striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Just how much United can spend on a new centre-back will likely be determined by their sales. Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is a long-time target for the Red Devils but was valued at over £70m last summer after United failed with two bids worth up to £50m.

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