Manchester United 'to miss out on signing veteran centre-back'

Manchester United will reportedly miss out on the chance to sign Real Madrid centre-back Nacho this summer, with the Spaniard said to be preparing to continue his career in North America.

The 34-year-old has been an important player for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 campaign, making 39 appearances in all competitions, benefiting from long-term injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba.

Nacho's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire on June 30, though, and he is widely expected to end his long association with the capital giants in order to seek a new challenge.

A recent report claimed that Man United were keen on the Spaniard, with the Red Devils expected to be in the market for a couple of new centre-backs during the summer market.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are both out of contract at the end of June and expected to leave, while it is understood that the club are open to offers for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

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Man United 'set to miss out on summer deal for Nacho'

There is only likely to be room in the budget to spend big on one centre-back, which had led to claims that Nacho would be targeted by Erik ten Hag's side due to his experience and availability.

Inter Milan and Juventus are also believed to have been keen to bring him to Serie A this summer.

However, according to Marca, Nacho has decided to continue his career in the MLS, also rejecting lucrative interest from Saudi Arabia.

The report claims that the Spaniard wants to sample life in North America, and his move is not motivated by money, as he would be able to earn more by staying in Europe or moving to Saudi Arabia.

Nacho, who has been with Real Madrid since the age of 11, has represented the capital giants on 358 occasions in all competitions, winning four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns and five Champions League trophies.

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Which other centre-backs are being linked with Man United?

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be hugely admired by Man United, but with the Toffees now securing Premier League survival, it is likely that he will be priced out of a summer move.

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo is also thought to be an option amid suggestions that the Catalan outfit would be willing to let him leave during the upcoming market.

Both Branthwaite and Araujo could cost around £80m each, though, and the Red Devils are likely to be quoted a similar fee by Benfica if they make an official move for Antonio Silva.

Max Kilman of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace are seemingly Premier League options, while Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo also continues to be linked with a move.

Juventus' Bremer has also been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, and it will be fascinating to see which direction the club go in during this summer's transfer window.