Manchester United have been in sensational form under manager Erik ten Hag since a spluttering start to the season, having clinched victory across the past eight successive matches, but further additions are still integral to the team's success...

Despite the discernible increase in both form and performance, with United indeed fourth in the Premier League and still competing for silverware across every front, Ten Hag is set on supplementing the recent efforts with an injection of further quality.

And according to talkSPORT, the Red Devils are poised to enter a transfer battle with Chelsea to secure the signature of Southampton's flourishing right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who has impressed following his initial loan move from Tottenham Hotspur, since signing on a permanent £12m deal.

With the English ace reportedly rejecting Saints' wishes for a new contract to secure his future at St. Mary's for the coming years, the pathway is now illuminated for a move to a European-challenging outfit...

Forget Dumfries...

The right-sided full-back position has been one of great interest to United's Dutch manager, who is certainly fixated on bolstering the club with signings that can lead the ascension back towards major honours once again, with the Theatre of Dreams last tasting silverware in the Europa League in 2017, when United beat Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 in the final.

Diogo Dalot has certainly come into his own down the right flank after making a steady rise following his £19m move from FC Porto in 2019, but Walker-Peters could hold the key to maximising the competitive contest for the No. 1 spot in the side, consequently raising the game of both individuals.

The Red Devils' other right-back option, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, has failed to stake his claim to a starting berth following his £50m move from Crystal Palace in 2019, now shackled to the bench with regularity under Ten Hag, making only six appearances all season, albeit having started the past three Premier League fixtures.

Regardless, Walker-Peters has been a pillar of strength in a Saints outfit that are desperately trying to stave off the threat of relegation this season, having won just three league games all season and now confined to the bottom spot.

The 25-year-old has made 17 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal, and has impressed with his defensive pedigree and offensive aptitude, averaging 0.4 shots per game, 0.7 key passes, making 1.7 tackles and 1.4 clearances.

Should the Red Devils forge a transfer, it might prove to be a prudent move in the grand scheme, with Premier League experience and a rounded arsenal leaving Walker-Peters well-placed to slot right into the fold and boost the side's chances of returning to the forefront of European football.

His signature would be far better than that of Denzel Dumfries, with Old Trafford touting the Inter Milan ace as another potential avenue this winter.

One Spanish source has reported that the Dutch sensation would require a bid of roughly €55m (£48m) for his signature, and while he is an offensive whiz down the right border, this could be a ludicrous fee to pay for a player that might fail to usurp Dalot's throne.

In the £18m-rated Walker-Peters, a much more affordable and sensible deal could be struck, one that would promote healthy competition and leave United with a "big talent" - as once dubbed by journalist Alex Crook - to continue the meteoric rise after years of instability.