Manchester United are now set to rival two Premier League rivals this summer to sign a talented 18-year-old defender.
This summer should see a complete overhaul of Manchester United‘s defensive ranks, with as many as three or four centre-halves on the way out, namely Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
This could see multiple incomings but the budget may not stretch to signing two or three Antonio Silva-level names.
Instead, United could look to bring in some lesser-known names, potentially some being youth prospects with high ceilings.
That is what Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems keen to do anyway and now United have been linked with a defender who fits that bill.
Manchester United to rival Newcastle and Arsenal for Dean Huijsen
In a bid to strengthen the defensive ranks, United’s search has taken them to Italy with 18-year-old Dean Huijsen named as an option.
This is according to Tutto Juve which reports that the Red Devils will be facing off against Newcastle and Arsenal to try and sign the Juventus defender who is on loan at Roma.
For United, the report states he’s seen as an option at this stage to replace key defensive exits which could happen in the summer in order to overhaul the department.
The report does state that Juventus aren’t keen on losing Huijsen, but this won’t stop United’s interest as Ineos and Ratcliffe will likely get what they want.
There’s also a chance a deal could be done, with Juventus wanting to sign Mason Greenwood, so a swap of some sort could likely be arranged.
Jose Mourinho is a huge fan of Huijsen
The Spain U21 star has been very impressive for Roma this season and has even drawn praise from his former manager Jose Mourinho.
As per Tutto Mercato, the legendary coach and former United boss said Huijsen is, “one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level. He will be a great footballer in the future.”
Mourinho knows his defenders, bringing Raphael Varane to Real Madrid and Diogo Dalot to United, so we are inclined to trust his judgement on this matter.
Huijsen is two-footed and would likely be signed as a player for the future, as opposed to the other names we’ve been linked with who’d be instant first-teamers.