Man United transfer news: Red Devils set to target £35m defender as perfect 'Harry Maguire replacement'

Manchester United are reportedly considering making a move for Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian.

The 26-year-old came through the youth system at Athletic, breaking into the first team following a successful loan spell at Mirandes in 2020-21, and he has represented the Basque outfit on 152 occasions, scoring seven goals in the process.

Vivian is also a nine-time Spain international, and he was selected in the squad for La Roja's September fixtures against Bulgaria and Turkey, although he did not make the matchday squad for either game.

The centre-back has a contract at San Mames until June 2032, but it is understood that the release clause in his deal is €40m (£35m), making him a bargain signing considering the level of his performances.

According to Fichajes, Man United are huge admirers of the Spaniard, with the Red Devils considering making a move for him during next summer's transfer window, potentially as a replacement for Harry Maguire.

Man United 'eyeing £35m move' for Athletic's Vivian

The report claims that the Red Devils are likely to face competition from both Newcastle United and Aston Villa, with the Premier League duo also alert to the situation.

Vivian could allegedly leave Athletic in January, but it is more likely that he will be on the move next summer, as mid-season transfers are difficult to secure, even if players have release clause in their deals.

The Spaniard has again been a vital player for Athletic at the start of the 2025-26 campaign, not missing a single minute of their La Liga season to date, helping the Lions to beat Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis.

Vivian has now played 121 times in La Liga during his career, while he has also featured on 11 occasions in the Europa League, and Champions League experience is also set to come his way this term.

Could Vivian be a replacement for Maguire?

Maguire's contract with the Red Devils is due to expire next summer, and it is expected that the 32-year-old will move on, with clubs from Saudi Arabia said to be keen.

The experienced defender remains an important figure in the dressing room for Man United, but he has only played 13 minutes of Premier League football this season, having fallen down the pecking order.

Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui are ahead of him in the pecking order, while Lisandro Martinez is set to return from a knee injury before the end of the year.

Ayden Heaven is also a centre-back option for Man United, but a new player in that area of the field will be required if Maguire leaves next summer, and Vivian could be a bargain signing for the 20-time English champions.

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