Manchester United are reported to have finally found themselves a new defender with a deal for Lille’s Sven Botman in the works.

New United boss Erik ten Hag plans to make three top quality signings this summer with a new defender, 2 midfielders and striker on his wishlist.

However, with finances tight due to a lack of Champions League football, he needs to think carefully at how best to spend his money.

Indeed, a planned big money move for Frenkie de Jong will blow a large portion of his budget. And the best attackers in the world rarely come without a huge price tag too.

As such, Ten Hag is having to think carefully about how much to lavish on a new centre-half.

To that end, Alessandro Bastoni, Matthijs De Ligt, Pau Torres and Jurrien Timber have all been linked. However, all three of those would cost United in excess of £40m. And in the case of De Ligt, a fee nearer the £70m mark is likely required.

However, Gianluca Di Marzio claims Ten Hag is now warming to a cheaper option in the form of Botman.

The Dutch defender has impressed in recent seasons for Lille. And a move to Milan has long been rumoured for the 22-year-old.

However, the Italian side are prioritising a new midfielder and also fancy his Lille teammate Renato Sanches. As such, they are struggling to afford his mere £21.3m (€25m) asking price.

That though will not phase United, with Di Marzio claiming they are now ready to step in.