Manchester United chief Ed Woodward starts talks over £22.5m Harry Maguire partner

Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward has reportedly contacted Lille for defender Gabriel Magalhaes. The central defender, whose market value is at £22.5million, looks destined to leave the Ligue 1 side with a number of clubs linked with a move. United spent big on both Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer to improve their defensive record. While Maguire has occasionally been caught out due to his lack of pace, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's defensive record has vastly improved from last season. According to the Daily Record, the Red Devils chief executive Ed Woodward has contacted Lille over a potential transfer for Gabriel. It is reported that Solskjaer's side have requested to be kept in the loop on any bids that come in, potentially leading to a bidding war. United aren't alone though with Everton, Inter Milan and Napoli all said to be interested in the Brazilian. Napoli are reportedly the closest to getting a deal done having already agreed personal terms with Gabriel. However, it seems that United are prepared to swoop in at the last minute with Solskjaer said to be keen to bring in a left-footed defender to partner Maguire. Source- Daily and Sunday Express

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