Manchester United supremo Ed Woodward is allegedly reluctant to pay £40 million for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.
The Netherlands international has emerged as a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer amid his fine form for his side.
But it seems United are not willing to spend big on bringing the defender to Old Trafford. Manchester United chief Solskjaer recently played down talk of a move for Nathan.
He had been spotted talking to the Cherries’ star after the Red Devils’ 5-2 win over the Cherries a couple of days ago, with fans believing he endorsed a switch to Old Trafford.
Yet while the Red Devils have played down talk of signing Natan, The Athletic say the 25-year-old is of interest to Ole’s side.
However, Ed and the United hierarchy are not willing to pay £40m for the Dutchman and that is because they also have other defensive targets in mind.
While no names are mentioned, several centre-backs have been tipped to join by other publications.
Kalidou Koulibaly remains admired at the club, although Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are keen too.
United have interest in RB Leipzig talent Dayot Upamecano, Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and Swansea City defender Joe Rodon too.
And links to the likes of Alessio Romagnoli and Tyrone Mings, of AC Milan and Aston Villa respectively, are refusing to die down too.
Elsewhere, Manchester United are willing to battle it out with rivals Chelsea and Manchester Cit for the highly-rated Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell.
