Manchester United have reportedly identified a dominant Serie A defender who could be seen as a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils have been monitoring centre-back options across Europe as Maguire’s contract enters its final months. Although United activated a one-year extension last January to keep the 32-year-old at Old Trafford until June 2026, his future remains uncertain amid interest from clubs in Italy and Turkey.
United have now stepped up their scouting of Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, with reports claiming a club scout was present to watch the 22-year-old make his 50th appearance in a 1–0 league victory over Cremonese.
The scout is said to have been impressed, with United expected to consider a move in the near future.
This follows earlier reports that United representatives were also in attendance during Sassuolo’s 1–1 draw with Bologna, a match in which Muharemovic scored after rising highest at a corner — highlighting his aerial strength.
The Bosnian international is regarded as a modern centre-back, comfortable in possession, strong in one-on-one situations, and effective when building play from the back.
Like Lisandro Martínez and Ayden Heaven, he is left-footed and prefers operating on the left side of defence.
Sassuolo are expected to demand more than £34 million for the defender this summer, with Juventus due a significant share through a sell-on clause.
Although capped 10 times by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Muharemovic was born in Ljubljana and spent much of his early life in Slovenia and Austria before joining Juventus in 2021.
After helping Sassuolo secure promotion, his move was made permanent last summer for a reported £2.5 million.
Manchester United face competition from Newcastle, Tottenham, Bournemouth, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig, all of whom are monitoring the defender.