Juventus eyeing up replacement for Man United’s £60 million defensive target

Juventus have identified a replacement for one of their regulars in the backline if he makes the move to Old Trafford this summer.

Manchester United are actively searching for replacements and reinforcements in central defence as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes the position one of the club’s main priorities heading into his first transfer window as a minority owner.

Being heavily linked with Everton scarlet Jarrad Branthwaite as well as Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, United are looking to bring younger talent to the squad as the future of senior defenders like Raphaël Varane remains uncertain.

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One name that has been on the club’s radar is Juventus’ Gleison Bremer. The Brazilian has been an ever presence in Massimiliano Allegri’s defence and has barely missed a minute as the side from Turin sit second in the Serie A.

It was reported in January that United had enquired about the price of the 26-year-old to which the 36-time Scudetto winners responded with a minimum of £60 million for the offer to be taken seriously.

This would be a nice profit for the Italian side and a quick turnover as Bremer only just joined Juventus from Torino in 2022 for £35 million.

The Red Devils’ enquiry must have ruffled some of the Old Lady’s feathers as it is now being reported by Gazzetta dello Sport that Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori is being lined up as a replacement for Bremer should he leave.

The report states that Calafiori will cost Juventus around €25-30 million (£20-25 million) meaning that even if United pay the minimum of £60 million that has been suggested, it wouldn’t be surprising if they pay more than that, Juventus could have their replacement for Bremer and still have £40 million of his transfer fee remaining.