Man Utd have been given encouragement in the race to sign an impending Borussia Dortmund free agent, though the reasons why may make them pause for thought, per a report.

The future of Dan-Axel Zagadou looks increasingly likely it will may away from Dortmund. The 22-year-old French centre-half is an imposing figure on his day, though those days are worryingly infrequent.

That stems from the 6ft 6in defender continuing to struggle with injury.

Zagadou has featured just nine times in the Bundesliga this season. His season-high for appearances in a German league campaign sits at just 17.

Man Utd drew links with Zagadou earlier in February with interim boss Ralf Rangnick was reported to be a fan. United were stated to have approached Zagadou’s agent with a free agent swoop in the summer on the agenda.

Zagadou’s contract expires in the summer and talks over a new deal in Dortmund weren’t progressing.

Now, Inside Futbol (citing German outlet Kicker), have shed new light on the situation.

They claim Dortmund now have serious reservations as to whether extending Zagadou’s stay is the right call. His injury woes are the root cause of their hesitation, with the club described as ‘anxious’ about offering a new deal.

Making matters worse is the fact Zagadou suffered yet another injury in the 6-0 pummelling of Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend. The Manchester Evening News reported the injury pertained to his thigh muscle.

As such, it’s looking increasingly likely Dortmund will allow their centre-half to walk away for free in the summer.

That will give Man Utd the chance to snap him up for free – if they so desire – while Inside Futbol also claim West Ham are interested.

Torino’s Gleison Bremer is another defender on Man Utd’s radar. They were recently reported to have organised a scouting mission to evaluate the powerful Brazilian.