Manchester United welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford in the only Premier League encounter on Boxing Day this year.
The Red Devils have improved drastically over the past couple of months after a disastrous start to the campaign, but defeat against Aston Villa last time out left Ruben Amorim’s side seventh in the top fight table.
Amorim will hope to see his side return to winning ways against the Magpies, but Eddie Howe’s side have proven that they are capable of beating anyone on their day and could provide a tricky test for United.
Ahead of the January transfer window, it has now emerged that Man United are pondering a move to sign a new defender.
As per CaughtOffside, United have drawn up a shortlist of four possible targets as they look to bolster Amorim’s defensive options.
The report claims that the Red Devils are keen to add at least one defender to their ranks, mind ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Harry Maguire.
The Englishman’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and United are currently uncertain as to whether or not to activate a 12-month extension.
Maguire will soon enter into the final six months of his current contract at Manchester United (Photo: Martin Dalton/Alamy)
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be one of the options being considered by United, while Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi – who is set to leave Selhurst Park as a free agent next summer – is also being monitored.
Guehi came close to joining Premier League rivals Liverpool over the summer, only for the proposed move to collapse on deadline day.
Other defenders being monitored by Manchester United include Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor, 17, and Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown.
While United are assessing their options, it isn’t yet clear if the club will attempt to sign a new defender in January, or wait until the summer window.