Manchester United have reportedly locked onto the first signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era as Juventus prepare a succession plan for Gleison Bremer. The Red Devils are said to have made no mistakes in making their intention to meet Bremer’s asking price known ahead of a defensive shake-up this summer.
Ratcliffe is expected to focus much of his early recruitment as co-owner towards the defence, with changes at full-back and centre-back on the horizon.
United are set to pursue at least one new central defender but could sign another, with multiple futures beyond the summer uncertain.
Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are out of contract in July, and there has been little suggestion of any discussions over an extension with either player.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are entering the final 12 months of their deals at Old Trafford. United will be tempted to cash in if suitable offers arrive.
Bremer has emerged as a leading candidate to bolster Erik ten Hag’s backline next season, with reports in Italy claiming he is all but Manchester-bound.
According to Thursday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, the 27-year-old has a £51million release clause in his current contract, which activates in 2025.
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports
However, United are said to be willing to make an offer worth the same to lure him from Turin this summer, which Juventus would accept.
The report adds that the M16 giants have been in discussions with Bremer’s representatives for some time and are ready to beat other heavyweight suitors across Europe.
Juventus have gone as far as scouring the market to identify potential replacements, indicating they are getting ready to lose him.
The Old Lady signed Bremer from Serie A rivals Torino in a £35m deal in 2022. He has started all 31 league games he has been available for this season, missing one through suspension.
United reportedly previously tried offering Mason Greenwood as part of a deal for the Brazil international, and Juventus were interested in recruiting the 22-year-old forward.
However, Greenwood is said to have rejected the proposition because he wants to remain in Spain after his season-long loan at Getafe ends.
Ratcliffe would have knocked some money off Bremer’s fee by including Greenwood in a deal, but Gazzetta suggest that he is willing to sanction what is necessary to seal his signature.
Bremer hasn’t missed a single match due to injury this term, which is undoubtedly an appealing trait after Ten Hag’s availability turmoil over the last several months, especially in defence.
