Manchester United and Newcastle have both been speaking to the agents of Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian reporter told GiveMeSport that the France international is an active target for both teams, and the player is very interested in making the switch to England this summer:

“Man Utd spoke to his agents, and Newcastle spoke to his agents. The player is keen on a Premier League move. So, this is a very concrete possibility.”

However, the final decision on Disasi’s future will rest with Monaco. It has been reported that the Ligue One side want as much as €50m (£43m) for the defender and Romano says the club’s new sporting director will play a key role in transfer talks:

“Monaco have a new director. The director is Thiago Scuro, who came from Brazil. So, it’s no longer Paul Mitchell but Scuro taking care of the negotiations.”

United’s replacement for Maguire

Following the announcement that Harry Maguire has been stripped of the captain’s armband, it seems certain that the England international will seek to leave Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window.

West Ham, Newcastle and even Chelsea have been suggested as possible destinations for the 30-year-old, who looks set to end his stay at United after four years. From the sound of things, the Manchester club want Disasi to replace Maguire if he is sold.

A bid for Disasi is unlikely to be imminent

Despite there being clear interest in the player, the Red Devils are not in a position to table an offer at the moment due to limited funds.

The additions of Mason Mount and Andre Onana have cost £106m and, if they also sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta (who is valued at £60m), United will need to recoup costs before going into the market again.

For that reason, a bid for Disasi may have to wait until next month when Maguire and, potentially, other players have left the club.