Man Utd 'join Liverpool' in cut-price transfer race to meet one of Erik ten Hag's demands

Manchester United are reportedly set to rival Liverpool for the signature of Red Bull Salzburg defender Oumar Solet this summer. The 24-year-old, who was recently left out of the France squad for the Olympics by manager Thierry Henry, is expected to leave Salzburg before the start of the new season.

Solet is thought to be attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League and elsewhere after informing Salzburg of his desire to move on. United and Liverpool are both eager to snap him up, according to RMC Sport, while West Ham have also been credited with an interest in his services.

Several other teams from Europe are reportedly keeping tabs on Solet with a view to rivalling the English clubs in the race to sign him. Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund and newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are said to be three of the clubs in question.

Salzburg are reportedly willing to cash in on Solet for a transfer fee in excess of £10million, making him a potential bargain buy for United or any other club. He is said to favour the idea of a move to the Premier League, which could bode well for the Red Devils if they can beat Liverpool to his signature.

Ten Hag has already revealed that he will be looking to improve his squad in three key areas, with the signing of a new central defender among his biggest priorities. He said last month: “We need to get a striker in to work alongside Rasmus Hojlund. I also hope we manage to get another central midfielder and also a replacement for [Raphael] Varane.

“Then I think things will look very good for next season with the caveat that the players are fit and stay fit. Then you can start playing towards the top four with such an 11. That gives me hope and is also realistic in my eyes.”

United’s top defensive target is said to be Jarrad Branthwaite, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best young centre-backs over the last few months. They have reportedly agreed personal terms with the player’s camp, although Everton are reluctant to sell for anything less than a premium fee.

The Red Devils have also been linked with a potential move for Lille defender Leny Yoro, but Real Madrid and Liverpool appear to be at the front of the queue as things stand.