Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, according to L'Equipe (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

A product of the youth system in Monaco, Badiashile made 22 appearances for the various age group sides before becoming a regular feature for the Ligue 1 outfit.

The 21-year-old France youth international has already amassed 119 outings for the first team and has previously attracted the attention of Newcastle United during the January transfer window.

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Now, a fresh claim has emerged suggesting that the Red Devils could be paying close attention to Badiashile with a view to making a move this summer...

The latest: 'Keeping tabs'

As per L'Equipe, translated by SW, Manchester United are 'keeping tabs' on the 16-cap France Under 21 starlet.

It's claimed that Chelsea and Sevilla are also in the mix to sign the youngster who was described as a 'monster' by Egyptian journalist Amr Shaheen.

The report also states that United have been a 'long time contender' for the capture of Badiashile, with offers in excess of €50million (£42million) required to make the deal happen.

The verdict: One more required

Albeit none of Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe or Phil Jones are yet to leave the club, all three have been deemed surplus to requirements by Erik ten Hag and could feasibly be on their way out before the end of the ongoing transfer window.

As things stand were the aforementioned trio to move on, United would be left with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and new signing Lisandro Martinez as their senior central defensive options, leaving adequate space for another frontline addition.

Last season, Badiashile earned a 7.02 Sofascore rating whilst illustrating an impressive defensive acumen in the process of making 1.2 interceptions, 2.8 clearances and winning 4.3 duels per game - more than the 4.2 Raphael Varane managed in the Premier League.

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3 and possessing strong aerial ability (Who Scored), the Frenchman has all of the key attributes required to become an elite performer at the highest level and would therefore be regarded as a shrewd acquisition from the Old Trafford hierarchy as a way of bolstering the current options whilst also planning for the future.