Old Trafford side enter race to sign Cagliari centre-back.
Manchester United are ready to make a bid for highly-rated Cagliari defender Davide Astori, according to the Daily Express.
Reports claim that United are interested in signing the Italian defender, who is also being chased by Liverpool and Southampton. The English champions are looking to spend around €13million on the Italy international, but the Isolani are hoping for upwards of €15million.
Respected Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports United have sent a team out to Italy for transfer negotiations with Cagliari, and are prepared to offer £10million for the defender. Liverpool are also keen on the defender, but are required to sell first before they can spend. With Sebastien Coates linked with a move to AC Milan that could open up a move for Astori.
United have reportedly failed in a bid to sign Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay this summer, after refusing to meet the £18million release clause of the Argentine defender. They have also registered their interest in signing Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia this summer, but face a batlle with Tottenham and Arsenal for his signature.
Current starting centre back pair Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are both injury-prone defenders who are ageing and losing their ability. United already have young duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones waiting in the wings if called upon, but the signing of Astori would allow them to let go of either Vidic or Ferdinand next summer.