With only a few more days until the big kick off and the end of the transfer window, there is still no end in sight for United’s pursuit of a new centre back. It looks like that the shortlist of potential targets has now shortened to just three. Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireldor Yerry Mina.

Maguire looked certain to be coming to Old Trafford only a week ago with the club keen to pay the £50 million price that they believed to be enough to prize away one of Leicester’s stars. Recently it has emerged that Maguire looks instead to sign a new and improved contract with the King Power club.

The England star would undoubtedly be welcomed to Old Trafford should the move materialise with his performances in the World Cup making him a house hold name. His threat from set pieces was there to see for all throughout the summer with his header against Sweden epitomising just this. However, it is thought Leicester would hold out for a world record fee for a defender before considering an offer. £85 million seems to be a ridiculous fee for a player who only has two full Premier League seasons under his belt.

Let’s not forget, Leicester come to Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season with Maguire likely to play some part in the game. However, United are still the 9/20 favourites to over come Leicester in the first game of the season, with the Foxes priced at 13/2 with Betway.

Some experts have made no attempt to hide the fact that they believe United were using Leicester and Maguire as a tactical move to get Alderweireldat a lower price. Spurs have not shifted on their asking price for £50 million, which for a player entering his final year on his current contract is a heavy price.

Spurs are definitely playing with fire as they could risk losing the Belgium international on a free next summer. However, the club can trigger an extension on the contract but that will come at a price. Should they activate that extra year,Alderweireld will have a £25 million release clause- half the price that they are currently asking for.

There is no doubting the talent of the former Atletico Madrid and Southampton player with his performances rightly recognising him as one of the best defenders in the league. Since arriving at Spurs, he has established himself as a mainstay in the national side alongside Vincent Kompany. He has so much more to his game than merely his defensive capabilities with his passing abilities often highlighted by pundits. His long cross field pass has become his trademark, it rarely results in him lumping the ball out of play.

United seem unwilling to pay the fee being asked for Alderweireld so that has seen them enter the market for yet another World Cup star, Mina. The Colombian headed the equaliser against England and since then has been looking for a transfer away from Barcelona in search of more minutes. His move to the Catalan giants didn’t materialise in the way that he was expecting following his move there in January for around £13 million.

The Red Devil’s will have competition for his signature with Everton and big spenders Wolves also looking at the player, but should United seriously want him- it would seem unlikely he would choose any other side. The Colombian will surely bring the aerial presence that United crave with Mina netting three goals in four games in Russia.

One thing is certain, should United bring in a new defender, others will need to leave. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo look the most likely with Matteo Darmian looking certain to head back to his native Italy with either Juventus or Inter Milan.

Jose has been very vocal about his discontent with not bringing in the two new signings that he feels United need to compete for the title but hopefully one of these defenders could make United a force to be reckoned with.