Manchester United have joined Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, according to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.
The Red Devils could enter the transfer market for a new central defender this summer, with Matthijs de Ligt having recently undergone surgery for a back problem.
The Netherlands international was carrying the concern since November last year. He has finally undergone a procedure that will rule him out for several months.
United have confirmed that he won’t return until the early stages of the 2026/27 season.
A cost-effective replacement could be sought this summer, and Merlo claims that United are one of the clubs ‘vying’ to sign Senesi on a free transfer alongside Liverpool and Tottenham.
United could beat Spurs to Senesi’s signature
The Argentina international has already agreed personal terms with Spurs over a free transfer when his Bournemouth contract expires this summer. A move is still dependent on them avoiding Premier League relegation this term.
Hence, nothing has been finalised on paper. The Red Devils still have the opportunity to prise away the 29-year-old, who could be lured with Champions League football.
Senesi is not a strong ball-playing centre-back. He has a passing accuracy of only 78 percent this season, but has excelled with his defensive attributes at the Cherries.
The former Feyenoord man has won five duels per game alongside two tackles, four recoveries and almost seven clearances. He has been pivotal to Bournemouth’s rise in recent years.
Senesi has his sights on a major contract in the prime of his career. He is on £50,000 per week, and could be convinced with the opportunity to double his current wages.
United have an edge over Spurs with Champions League football, but the big question remains whether Senesi would accept a reduced rotational role to join the club.
If Spurs beat the drop, the left-footed star could become a regular starter at left centre-back with Micky van de Ven tipped to leave during the next transfer window.
Senesi may have to compete with Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven for the left central defensive position if he were to join United on a Bosman deal this summer.
This could be a potential roadblock for United in the pursuit of his signature. Senesi would be a huge bargain signing, considering his vast Premier League experience.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com