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MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn-up a three-man shortlist of centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

New partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to revolutionise the Red Devils' squad ahead of next season.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to significantly strengthen United's squad
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to significantly strengthen United's squadCredit: PA

Improving their defence is set to be on the agenda, with a trio of targets having emerged.

According to transfer expert , United are interested in Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano.

He adds that the Frenchman is open to a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga, having played in Germany since 2017.

Upamecano has featured in just seven minutes of Bayern's last four Bundesliga games.

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The 25-year-old has tumbled down the pecking order of late, falling behind former Tottenham star Eric Dier.

Come the summer, the 6ft 1in defender will have two years remaining on his Bayern contract.

He initially joined the German giants from RB Leipzig in 2021, and has since played 107 times for them.

Also on United's list is Upamecano's French compatriot Jean-Clair Todibo.

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Dayot Upamecano tussles with Marcus Rashford
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Dayot Upamecano tussles with Marcus RashfordCredit: PA
Jean-C;air Todibo battles Kylian Mbappe
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Jean-C;air Todibo battles Kylian MbappeCredit: Rex

Todibo, 24, plays for Nice, owned by Ratcliffe's Ineos.

He has impressed in Ligue 1, and was strongly linked with Tottenham earlier this season, before the Lilywhites signed Radu Dragusin.

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The third defender on United's radar is Benfica's Antonio Silva.

The 20-year-old has attracted plenty of interest with his performances in his native Portugal.

In addition to United, he has also been linked with Chelsea this season.

Galetti adds that there remains uncertainty around the futures of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.

Maguire, 31, was strongly linked with West Ham last summer after being stripped of the United captaincy.

But after snubbing the Hammers, he managed to fight his way back into the first team picture at Old Trafford.

Varane, meanwhile, has had a topsy-turvy season.

Earlier in the campaign he found himself sidelined by Erik ten Hag, withJonny Evans preferred.

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He later fought his way back into the team, and has been a regular in recent weeks.

The former Real Madrid star will have just a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.

Antonio Silva has impressed for Benfica this term
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Antonio Silva has impressed for Benfica this termCredit: Getty
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