Manchester United are thought to be keen to sign a new right-back during this summer's transfer window to both challenge and provide support for Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the 2021-22 campaign.
Luke Shaw thrived last season under pressure from Alex Telles, and there is a feeling at Old Trafford that Wan-Bissaka would benefit from having serious competition for his starting role at the club.
Wan-Bissaka impressed defensively last season, but there is still work for the former Crystal Palace youngster to do in the final third of the field, and it would not be a surprise to see a new right-sided defender arrive this summer, particularly with Man United looking to challenge on all fronts next term.
Diogo Dalot, as it stands, is due to return to the club for pre-season training later this month following a successful loan spell at AC Milan, but the Portugal international continues to be linked with an exit, and it remains to be seen whether he is in the club's thinking moving forward.
Here, Sports Mole picks out three right-backs that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side could potentially sign in the current market.
Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
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Kieran Trippier missed a chunk of last season due to a betting-related suspension, but the 30-year-old was still a key player for Atletico Madrid, contributing six assists in 28 La Liga appearances for the champions.
The 30-year-old knows the Premier League extremely well, having made over 100 appearances in the competition during his time with Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur, while he is a favourite of England manager Gareth Southgate.
While Trippier is a threat going forward and has excellent set-piece delivery, he is also defensively sound and would be a terrific signing for Man United, but Atletico could ultimately price him out of a summer switch.
Indeed, Diego Simeone's side are thought to be unwilling to sanction a move for anything under £30m, and it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are prepared to meet that figure for the former Manchester City youngster considering his age.
James Tavernier (Rangers)
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James Tavernier is an extremely interesting option for Man United, with a recent report claiming that the Red Devils and Arsenal are both considering making offers for the 29-year-old during this summer's transfer window.
The defender has made 289 appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions, contributing 65 goals and 90 assists in the process, including 19 goals and 16 assists in 46 outings during the 2020-21 campaign, which are quite staggering numbers for a right-back.
Tavernier would be somewhat of a risk considering that he is unproven in the Premier League, but his level of performance for Rangers in Scottish football should not be ignored.
The defender also impressed in the Europa League last season, contributing five goals and four assists in 10 appearances, and the fact that he provided 16 assists across all competitions is extremely impressive for a player operating as a full-back.
Wan-Bissaka must find a way to contribute more going forward next term, and Tavernier certainly thrives in that area of the field, which could make him the ideal signing for the 20-time English champions.
Max Aarons (Norwich City)
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Max Aarons is admired by a number of leading European clubs, and it would be a surprise if Norwich managed to keep hold of him this summer, despite the fact that they have secured a return to the Premier League for next season.
The Englishman impressed for the Canaries during the 2019-20 campaign in the Premier League, contributing two assists in 36 appearances, while he was a key player for Daniel Farke's side last term, scoring twice and providing five assists in 45 Championship appearances.
The 21-year-old would represent a long-term option for Man United, and the fact that he has already proved himself in the Premier League makes him appealing for Solskjaer's side, who are now prioritising young talent over established stars.
Aarons will not come cheap, as he still has three years left to run on his contract with Norwich, while the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are said to be interested, which will drive his asking price up; the Canaries have also been boosted financially by their return to England's top flight for the 2021-22 campaign.
However, the youngster might be regarded as the best long-term investment for Man United, who saw Shaw reach a new level last season knowing that Telles was waiting in the wings for the left-back spot.
Matt Law
