Man Utd ‘keen’ to replace Maguire with £35m defender dubbed ‘new Saliba’ | OneFootball

Manchester United are determined to prevail in the race for young Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.

While laying plans for the new year, the Red Devils have prioritised the midfield revamp above all else. However, Jason Wilcox and Co. will also address other departments.

Many expect United to add a new attacker to their ranks, while also bolstering the wing-back department. But with Harry Maguire potentially leaving at the end of the season, the club will have to recruit a new defender.

Man Utd identify Jeremy Jacquet as Maguire’s long-term heir

The former Leicester star is currently running on an expiring contract, and the board will only consider a renewal if the player were to accept a significant pay cut. Therefore, the 32-year-old’s exit is a plausible scenario.

Maguire’s potential exit should urge Man Utd to address their defensive issues, and start searching for a younger replacement.

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

According to The Daily Briefing, the Premier League giants have been monitoring Jacquet, a 20-year-old Rennes youth product who is considered one of the most promising young defenders in Ligue 1.

The France U21 star has been on a steady rise over the past few years. This season, he has been omnipresent for Rennes, never missing a minute of action across the first 13 rounds of the league.

Man United facing competition from Arsenal for Jacquet

The youngster has been compared to his compatriot William Saliba, who is now considered one of the finest defenders in the Premier League thanks to his exploits at Arsenal.

Interestingly, the Gunners are equally interested in Jacquet, whom they have been chasing since last summer. Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and RB Leipzig are also said to be in the fray.

Nevertheless, the source believes that Man Utd are ‘particularly keen’ about signing the young defender, especially after receiving enchanting reports from their scouts. Moreover, the player’s price tag shouldn’t exceed £35 million, which is a figure well within MUFC’s reach.

United have already begun building a defensive lineup for the future by signing Leny Yoro in the summer of 2024, not to mention poaching Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. The latter is a highly promising teenager who made his breakthrough last season, but has been starved of playing time this term.