Manchester United 'interested in signing teenage centre-back duo'

Barcelona's Mikayil Faye and Boca Juniors' Aaron Anselmino are reportedly on Manchester United's radar, with the club preparing to sign at least one centre-back during the summer transfer window.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans only have deals at Old Trafford until the end of June, while there remains speculation surrounding the future of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.

Lisandro Martinez's ongoing injury problems will also be concerning for the Red Devils, with the Argentina international facing another month on the sidelines due to a calf problem.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is thought to be the club's leading centre-back target, but the Englishman could potentially be priced out of a move to Old Trafford during the summer market.

According to the Daily Mail, Man United have been in touch with both Barcelona and Boca Juniors to ask about potential deals for Faye and Anselmino.

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Man United allegedly scouting Faye

Man United are believed to have been scouting Faye of late, with the 19-year-old making a strong impression for Barcelona B this season, following a switch from NK Kustosija last summer.

Faye has scored four times in 25 league appearances for Barcelona's second team this season, but he is yet to make his first-team debut for the Catalan outfit.

The Senegal international has been on the bench for two of Barcelona's last three league matches against Mallorca and Las Palmas, though, and he scored on his first cap for his country last month.

Barcelona would allegedly be willing to listen to offers of around £25m for Faye this summer due to their financial problems, and Man United are said to have a firm interest.

However, Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are also believed to be competing for the youngster, who could potentially make his first-team debut for Barcelona before the end of the season.

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Anselmino also on Man United's radar

Boca's 18-year-old centre-back Anselmino is also believed to be of interest to Man United.

The Argentine penned a new long-term contract with Boca earlier this year, with his current deal due to run until December 2028, but there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future.

The youngster has featured on seven occasions for his Argentine outfit, and he is also believed to have been scouting by a number of European powerhouses in the early stages of his career.

A recent report claimed that Man United could pay around £15m to sign the centre-back before loaning him out, potentially to Nice, who are also owned by Ratcliffe and INEOS.

Man United are sweating over the fitness of Varane and Maguire ahead of Thursday's trip to Chelsea, as both Martinez and Lindelof have been ruled out for a month, while Evans remains a fitness doubt, with the club facing a centre-back crisis at a vital stage of the campaign.