Manchester United are desperate to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes.

Jose Mourinho has identified his back four as an area of improvement this summer. Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof has failed to impress the Portuguese who often preferred to use Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. If United are to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title next year, they need to sign a top defender.

The Red Devils have held an interest in Tottenham defender, Toby Alderweireld, all summer but have turned their attention to Leicester’s Harry Maguire in recent weeks. The Foxes do not want to lose their prized asset, but the allure of Old Trafford will be hard to turn down for England’s World Cup hero. Should Maguire leave, Leicester will look to Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles. However, United should forget about signing Maguire and instead move for the Magpies defender.

Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, the former Nottingham Forest man was a shining light for Rafael Benitez last season. He made 33 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals, as the Magpies ended the season in tenth.

Lascelles is a natural leader that United are crying out for in their defence. A captain at just 24-years-old, the Englishman would no doubt challenge for a place in the national side if he moved to Old Trafford. He is a no-nonsense defender – no Manchester United defender averaged more clearances per game last season (WhoScored) – that would add some much-needed stability to Mourinho’s back line.

£65m is a ridiculous sum of money to spend on Maguire. United would be better served testing Mike Ashley’s resolve to keep hold of his star defender.

Manchester United fans, thoughts?