Man United “intensify contacts” with Brazilian star to become first signing this summer

Manchester United have “intensified contacts” with Juventus central defender Gleison Bremer in the last few days, according to reports.

Manchester United are on the hunt for a new central defender this summer, with the futures of Raphaël Varane, Jonny Evans, and Harry Maguire unclear amid a restructuring from INEOS.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s team have reportedly identified centre-back as one of three key areas they want to strengthen this summer, with the Old Trafford club also looking for a new striker and right-back.

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With centre-back a current priority, the club have now reportedly “intensified contacts” with Juventus and Brazilian central defender Gleison Bremer.

This is according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, who claim that United are one of five Premier League clubs interested in the signing, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tottenham also circling the 27-year-old player.

With this in mind, it is further claimed that United have, therefore, increased conversations surrounding Bremer in order to gain an advantage over their rivals and make him the first signing through the door this summer.

Ratcliffe has “made it clear” that United have no problem with activating the £50 million release clause in Bremer’s current Juventus contract, which is cheaper than the alternative.

United have also been linked with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in recent weeks, but some reports have suggested that the Merseyside club may demand upwards of 80 million this summer.

This will, of course, depend on if Everton are relegated from the Premier League or not.