The next Manchester United could well have the perfect first transfer in place as Old Trafford chiefs weigh up a move for Dan-Axel Zagadou.
The Borussia Dortmund defender is out of contract at the end of the season.
United’s next boss could be handed the ideal first signing with French centre-back Zagadou potentially available for free.
The 22-year-old has been used mostly as a bit-part player for Dortmund in recent years, but has shown his quality when called upon.
The 6’6 defender, who has represented France at all youth levels, is yet to agree a new deal at the Signal Iduna Park though, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Recent reports from France suggest that United are ready to make a move this month to sign him on a pre-contract.
According to Foot Mercato, discussions have taken place between United and Zagadou’s agent, Moussa Sissoko.
Current United boss Ralf Rangnick has watched Zagadou’s rise while in charge at Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig.
But it is expected to be a new man in charge come next season, with Rangnick set to move into a behind the scenes role.
And landing a quality centre-back, such as Zagadou, for free would be the perfect welcome present for the new boss, with Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane struggling.
United aren’t the only ones interested in Zagadou though, with mega-rich Newcastle also mentioned in the report, alongside a number of other top clubs.
The next manager may well have some funds to play with too as Rangnick admitted that there were players under contract who wanted to leave.
“We have players with contracts expiring in the summer,” Rangnick said. “We have maybe also one or two players who want to leave and are under contract.
“It’s about the players dealing with that situation in a professional way. Everybody has the chance to show in training, to show up, and get the chance to play. If this is not the case, then, of course, the player, club and agents need to discuss the situation.
“As far as I can tell, so far the players have been dealing with that in a professional way. I cannot say anything else. If I realise that is not the case I will address that with the players direct.”