Man United ‘want to re-sign a former defender’ less than one year after letting him go – as Red Devils eye up further reinforcements along with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt

Man United are reportedly keen to sign a former defender despite letting him go in January.

United are hoping to strengthen their defence this summer after manager Erik ten Hag signed a new one-year contract at Old Trafford.

They have already shown interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and are said to be willing to offer the Dutchman a five-year contract if they can agree a deal for £42m, including bonuses.

But even with a move for De Ligt on the horizon, there are still reportedly interests in one of their former defenders, who left the club only six months ago.

According to the subwayUnited want to sign Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon permanently this summer.

Sergio Reguilon spent last season on loan at United from Premier League rivals Tottenham

The Spaniard spent the first half of last season on loan at Old Trafford, before spending the remainder of the season at Brentford.

Reguilon was brought in due to United’s injury woes at left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined for extended periods.

The 27-year-old played a total of 12 games for the Red Devils and impressed with his performances on the left flank.

Reguilon’s contract with parent club Tottenham expires next year and Spurs are therefore keen to sell him during the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, United are already making moves in the transfer market as they near the arrival of De Ligt from Bayern Munich.

United want De Ligt to play on the right in central defence and have not given up hope of signing Branthwaite to play alongside him on the left if they can sell players to raise enough money.

United have reportedly offered Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt a five-year contract with the club

Erik ten Hag is said to have identified De Ligt as the main target for United’s defence rebuild

Everton have rejected an opening bid of £38m plus £5m in add-ons. Everton do not want to sell the 22-year-old but may be forced to listen to bids in the region of £70m.

United are unlikely to go that high, but they are considering a better offer for Branthwaite, who is said to be increasingly irritated by the lack of movement in negotiations.

However, United are expected to step up the transfer market now that Dan Ashworth has been cleared to take over as technical director, and they are also looking to bring in a striker and a defensive midfielder.