6ft 2″ CB On The VERGE Of Joining Man United – Not Ramos, Not Otamendi

Manchester United have entered the race to land Fiorentina defender, Stefan Savic but face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid for the player’s signature, as per talkSPORT.

The same source says the Red Devils have entered into negotiations with the Florence club, and it is believed that a £11 million bid would tempt them into selling the ex-Manchester City defender.

United boss, Louis Van Gaal decided to look for other defensive options as talks to sign Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi seem to have stalled.

The Dutchman has now identified Savic – who made 11 appearances for United’s “noisy neighbours” in their 2011-12 title-winning campaign.

Savic joined Fiorentina in 2012 as part of the deal which took Matija Nastasic to the Etihad. He has now become an integral member of the Viola, making 29 league appearances last term.

Although United have the financial muscle to offer Savic higher wages than Atletico, the Spanish club will be looking to close the deal in time, as they seek for a replacement for Toby Alderweireld who joined Tottenham recently.

The Rojiblancos also want to sign Savic after having sold Joao Miranda to Inter Milan. The 24-year old Montenegrin is seen as an ideal fit by Atletico boss, Diego Simeone.

To sweeten the deal, Atletico are ready to include midfielder Mario Suarez as part of the deal, as per IBT. The midfielder’s high wage demands will however make Fiorentina baulk, leaving United as the only likely option for Savic.

The same report reveals that Louis Van Gaal wanted to bring the former Partizan Belgrade defender to Old Trafford last summer, and that Savic was pleased to hear of United’s interest in him as his agent revealed.

United have so far brought in Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Matteo Darmian and Morgan Schneiderlin in a bid to fight for major honours next season.

Meanwhile, the Premier League club have returned with an improved offer for Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, and it is believed the £45 million would tempt Madrid into selling.