Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes "one or two" of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly could leave Old Trafford in this summer's transfer window.
United, who will get their pre-season preparations under way in less than a week's time, are keen on strengthening their defensive options this summer and have identified Ajax ace Jurrien Timber as their top target. The youngster is capable of playing at both right-back and centre-back, meaning the prospect of him arriving at Old Trafford could spell trouble for several others.
Manager Erik ten Hag needs to bolster his defensive options as a leading priority this summer after United experienced their worst campaign defensively since the 1978/79 campaign last season. They conceded 69 goals in all competitions, 57 of which were in the Premier League.
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United often struggled to name a regular back-four, with injury, illness and suspension issues often hindering their hopes of securing any consistency at the back. Raphael Varane was signed to offer a world-class presence in the heart of the defence but injury issues robbed him of getting into any sort of rhythm.
And Ferdinand believes that the prospect of Varane departing Old Trafford this summer cannot be ruled out. He, along with three other central defenders, is at risk of leaving.
"I'll be interested to see what Ten Hag does in that area," Ferdinand told Vibe with Five. "We're talking about the young lad, Timber, at Ajax, a small centre-half.
"I'll be interested to see what happens with Varane, Lindelof and Maguire, Bailly as well, I think one or two of those will go."
Bailly is the most likely of the aforementioned quartet to move on this summer. He made just seven appearances last season, with only four of them coming in the Premier League.
Fellow centre-back Phil Jones is also likely to leave Old Trafford. He has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds United in recent weeks.
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