Manchester United have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal to sign Germany international centre-back Jonathan Tah, according to Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg.
The move comes after Leverkusen's negotiations with Bayern Munich for the Germany international reportedly reached a deadlock, opening the door for Erik ten Hag's side to swoop in.
Having completed their first summer signing by bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils are understood to be eager to add to their defensive options this summer, having seen Raphael Varane leave the club.
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Ten Hag is short on defensive options and alongside Tah, United have apparently shown an interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Lille starlet Leny Yoro.
🚨🔴 🆕 Been told that Manchester United have inquired about Jonathan #Tah in the last few days!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 15, 2024
ManUtd aware of the fact, that there’s no agreement between Bayern and Leverkusen.
And: There’s still no final agreement between ManUtd & Bayern about a transfer of Matthijs de… pic.twitter.com/Ygw7XeOaQw
The Red Devils are believed to have been in talks to sign Bayern Munich's De Ligt, but both clubs have yet to reach an agreement, with Man United yet to table an opening bid.
With a move for the Netherlands international far from certain to happen, it seems the Old Trafford outfit have other contingency plans in place, with Tah now a possible alternative target.
The Leverkusen vice-captain helped his side go undefeated in the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign, as they finally lifted the league title after more than 30 years without silverware.
The 28-year-old featured in 47 games across all competitions last term, adding six goals and an assist, with Die Werkself also winning the German Cup and reaching the final of the Europa League.
That said, he could now be on his way out of the club after spending nine years in Leverkusen. The defender was a key player for his country at Euro 2024 and his displays on the big stage have impressed several European giants who are now circling for his signature.