Manchester United have had “initial negotiations” about signing Monaco defender Axel Disasi, according to the Daily Mail.

The Frenchman, who made his international debut at the World Cup, is being targeted by Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag as he looks to strengthen his options at the back.

Disasi could well be being eyed as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire, with reports suggesting that the club captain may consider a departure from Old Trafford if he remains on the periphery of the first team.

Since ten Hag’s arrival at the Manchester club last summer, Maguire has started just four times in the Premier League and, while he isn’t expected to leave United in January, the writing is on the wall.

Disasi, meanwhile, would be an interesting addition to the squad. He has been tracked by Tottenham, West Ham and Arsenal in the past, and he can also be deployed as a right-back, which is another area of the pitch that ten Hag is keen to strengthen.