Manchester United have made “official contact” with Mario Hermoso, according to journalist Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez Ramirez.

The Spaniard, who has been capped 5 times by his country, is currently available on a free transfer after leaving Atletico Madrid at the start of last month. Ramirez says that the defender is asking for a three-year contract worth €6m a year (or £99,000 a week):

EXCL: El #ManchesterUnited inicia contactos oficiales con el ex jugador del #AtleticoMadrid, Mario Hermoso.
Por ahora las negociaciones se encuentran en la fase inicial y habrá que ver cómo evoluciona.
El defensa está pidiendo salario de 6M Brutos y contrato de 3 años. pic.twitter.com/4BEKq9XBKA

— Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez Ramírez (@ramirezmaximodc) August 9, 2024

Ramirez emphasises that discussions are only at an “initial phase” so it remains to be seen whether this will develop into anything more concrete.

Why are United interested in the defender?

There are fears that Leny Yoro could be out with a foot injury until the New Year, while Victor Lindelof could be sold before the close of the transfer window, so manager Erik ten Hag needs reinforcements in the centre of defence.

Hermoso would be an economical solution as he is a free agent and his requested salary is rather modest by Premier League standards.

What do fans need to know about Hermoso?

The center-half turned 29 a couple of months ago but he is certainly not past his best. He made 45 appearances in all competitions for Atletico last season, making 29 starts in La Liga.

Hermoso is left-footed and he can play at left-back if need be so, in addition to providing cover for the likes of Lisandro Martinez, he can be used as a deputy for Luke Shaw, whose fitness problems are well-documented.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here