Manchester United 'step up pursuit of Juventus, Brazil defender'

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Juventus defender Bremer, hoping to move to the front of the queue for the Brazilian international this summer.

The 27-year-old is a regular in the Juventus side which, despite being a long way adrift of leaders Inter Milan, have one of the best defensive records in Serie A.

In the first 24 games of the season, Juve conceded just 15 goals, with Bremer playing a big part in that solid defence under Massimiliano Allegri.

Bremer won the Serie A's Defensive MVP award for the 2021-22 season with 10th-placed Torino, before making the move to Turin-rivals Juve.

Performances with the Old Lady have seen Bremer rewarded with four Brazil caps, and a spot in their 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar.

Calciomercato claim that Man United have made contact with Juventus, hoping to get a deal for the defender early, in order to avoid any rivals entering the race.

There is believed to be a release clause in the Brazilian's contract, but the exact figure is not known, with some estimates varying from £43m to £58m.

That is still substantially lower than the figure that United would likely need to pay if they pursued another of their defensive targets, Jarrad Branthwaite.

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Everton are believed to value the young defender at around £75m, as he is expected to make his England debut in their friendly with Belgium on Tuesday.

Bremer was part of the Brazil side that beat England at Wembley on Saturday, coming on as a late substitute to help see out the victory for the Selecao.

Gabriel Magalhaes's late injury withdrawal earned Bremer a spot in the squad, but he was kept out of the side by debutants Lucas Beraldo and Fabricio Bruno, but he will have another chance to feature when Brazil face Spain on Tuesday night.

With the first summer transfer window on the horizon under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will now oversee the football operations at the club, significant spending is expected.

Regardless of who is in the dugout at Old Trafford next season, Ratcliffe is expected to make funds available to strengthen the squad.

Erik ten Hag's job is under intense scrutiny at present, with Gareth Southgate one of the names said to be on Ratcliffe's wishlist to bring in should they part ways with the Dutchman.

United return to action after the international break with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford on Saturday night.