Manchester United are, it's claimed, considering buying a new centre-back in the summer to replace captain Harry Maguire.
The Englishman, 28, has struggled for form since Euro 2020 and has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are desperate to end a five-year wait for silverware this season. They haven't won the Premier League since 2013 and the Champions League since 2008, but, despite being a pre-season tip to challenge for the domestic crown, have failed to keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool - leading to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's exit.
Indeed, United are battling to keep hold of fourth place, with Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and Wolves all in the mix.
And the long-term future of Maguire, still the world's most expensive defender at £80million, is in doubt, while his position in the Old Trafford dressing room has also been called into question.
Here, Mirror Football considers five centre-backs who could replace Maguire at Old Trafford - including one of the Premier League's finest.
Should Manchester United replace Harry Maguire? Let us know in the comments below!
Antonio Rudiger
Certainly a transfer that would raise eyebrows. Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season and United are interested in signing the centre-back on a free transfer.
The German, 28, is yet to commit his future to Chelsea. It's believed he wants at least £200,000-a-week, with the Blues currently offering around £140,000 for a player widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in England right now.
Chelsea are still hoping to tie him down to a long-term deal and, unlike overseas counterparts, United can't officially open negotiations with Rudiger until the summer.
"If you had him next to [Raphael] Varane, what a difference you’re talking about," said United icon Paul Parker while discussing Rudiger in December. "You’re talking about someone who’s won a World Cup, Champions League and then you’ve got a centre-half, who in the old-school way of talking is actually a leader.
"He actually shouts and screams, bosses people about, dictates the people. When people aren’t doing it, he tells them because he doesn’t make that many mistakes himself. He keeps things simple. He’d be absolutely perfect."
Ronald Araujo
United are reportedly among a number of clubs plotting a move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan, 22, has impressed at the Nou Camp this term, becoming first-choice under Xavi Hernandez.
Araujo has played 68 first-team games for Barcelona since joining the club in August 2018 - winning the Copa del Rey last season - and has picked up seven international caps. However, he has just 16 months remaining on his existing deal.
Chelsea are also thought to be interested in Araujo and they're unlikely to be the only ones if cash-strapped Barcelona can't get him to agree a new deal - potentially forcing their hand and forcing them to accept a knockdown price.
Manuel Akanji
Manuel Akanji has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months and recently admitted United are his "favourite club", having been a boyhood fan.
The 26-year-old defender is set to enter the final year of his Borussia Dortmund contract this summer and looks unlikely to stay at the Westfalenstadion, having seemingly decided it's the right time to move.
Despite 38 international caps for Switzerland, few consider him to be an elite defender - particularly given Dortmund's somewhat flimsy record this season.
It's claimed that Ralf Rangnick is a fan, however, if it's about replacing Maguire with an elite partner for Raphael Varane, is he the answer?
Jules Kounde
United were among a number of sides - notably Chelsea - interested in signing Sevilla defender Kounde last summer, before luring Raphael Varane to Old Trafford.
The seven-cap France international, 23, is viewed as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe, helping his country win the Nations League last October and having shone in Seville.
Chelsea were thought to be closing on his signature last summer but were deterred by his £68m release clause as Sevilla sporting director Monchi stood firm and refused to negotiate at anything lower.
That remains something which could scupper United's chances this summer as Kounde still has more than two years remaining on his existing deal.
Max Kilman
United are believed to be monitoring Kilman's progress at Wolves.
The left-footed Englishman, 24, has enjoyed a remarkable rise since the summer of 2018, when he left non-league outfit Maidenhead United for the West Midlands side.
Kilman, who played for England's futsal team before starting his Premier League, has gradually made a name for himself at Wolves - only becoming a regular this term, but becoming a lynchpin under Bruno Lage.
His impressive form has caught Gareth Southgate's attention, with an England call-up believed to be on the cards.
Despite his relative top-level inexperience, Wolves are unlikely to accept a low offer for the talent, who still has more than four years remaining on his existing deal.
