Manchester United interested in signing Premier League centre-back

Manchester United will reportedly aim to reinforce their central defence when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

The Red Devils were linked with a move for a new centre-back this summer, but they decided against pursuing one before the international transfer deadline.

According to The Athletic, the club are likely to consider strengthening the position midway through the season and James Tarkowski is one of the top names on their shortlist.

The England international was the subject of interest from West Ham United earlier this summer, but their final offer of £30m fell short of the Clarets' £40m price tag for the defender.

The former Brentford man currently has a release clause of £50m on his Clarets contract, but reports claim that the club would be willing to accept any offers of £40m.

United have five centre-backs in Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones in the squad. Jones has, however, been deemed surplus to requirements while Tuanzebe has struggled with regular injury concerns.