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Man Utd are seriously considering whether to make a move for Como defender Jacobo Ramon, according to reports.

The Spaniard scored against Michael Carrick‘s side in the humiliating 4-1 defeat last month, and his performance in that game (as well as others recently) has attracted the attention of United’s recruitment team.

TEAMtalk claim that the Red Devils are set to “intensify” their scouting of Ramon with a view to a potential bid next year.

Reinforcing the centre-back department is seen as a top priority, with the Manchester club having struggled to keep clean sheets during the opening few months of the campaign.

Martinez’s exit would open up a space in the squad

There is plenty of speculation about Lisandro Martinez’s future following recent events. He was the first to call out the club’s hierarchy for a disappointing transfer window.

However, it was then leaked that the 28-year-old was angling for a move to Atletico Madrid last summer, and his subsequent red card against Chelsea has further soured his relationship with fans, who feel that he is trying to force a departure from Old Trafford.

Martinez’s contract expires at the end of June, so it is unlikely he will stay at United for much longer.

Real Madrid will have the final say on Ramon

While it appears as if United have identified a potential replacement for Martinez in the Como centre-half, a transfer next year will not be straightforward.

There will be competition from other teams, with Chelsea expected to be the most serious rivals for Ramon’s signature. Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham have also shown interest, but to a lesser degree.

However, the deciding vote as to where the 21-year-old will play won’t be Como’s but Real Madrid’s. They have a buyback option, which they can choose to exercise at the end of the season. Even if they don’t, though, they also have a 50% sell-on clause that means Como would only offload him for an inflated price.