Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu.

What's the story?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, the Red Devils have identified the 25-year-old as a potential partner for Harry Maguire in the heart of their defence.

A new centre-back is thought to be high up on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's wish list for the current window, and Soyuncu is the latest name to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.

The new Harry Maguire

The trio of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have failed to prove their long-term suitability at centre-half in recent years, leading to the club prioritising the position this summer.

Real Madrid reportedly turned down a £50m offer for Raphael Varane recently, while Villarreal's Pau Torres is another candidate on Solskjaer's wish list.

While Soyuncu may not carry as much excitement or intrigue as the Spanish-based pair, the Leicester man has Premier League experience and may be viewed as a safer option by the United hierarchy.

In his three-year spell at the King Power Stadium, the Turkey international has been in impressive form, helping the club to consecutive fifth-place finishes and last season's FA Cup triumph.

Soyuncu's standout displays have attracted many plaudits, including some from his current manager Brendan Rodgers.

"He has been absolutely fantastic, and he is only going to get better with experience," said the Northern Irish tactician. "He will go to Old Trafford. He will go to Anfield. He is not frightened of anything.

"He is quick; he is aggressive. He can defend first and foremost. He has absolutely no qualms whatsoever of just smashing the ball over the stand. He wants to defend.

"But he can play football, and that's important if you want to be a top team. You have to be able to defend, but you have to be able to play, and he can do that."

The last time United signed a central defender from the Foxes, things turned out pretty well. Maguire quickly established himself as the club's key figure at the back and was made captain after less than a year with the 20-time English champions.

If departing chief executive Ed Woodward can secure a reasonable price for the £40.5m-rated Soyuncu, there's no reason why he can't follow in Maguire's footsteps and take United to the next level.

In other news...Woodward could deliver dream Lindelof upgrade for Man Utd in “sensational” £51.5m gem