Manchester United are widely expected to move for a new central defender next year, with the club already believed to be putting the work in when it comes to identifying targets.

Lisandro Martinez is currently on the sidelines following a second foot operation this year, with the Argentina international facing a battle to return before the start of 2024.

There are also concerns surrounding Raphael Varane, as the 30-year-old has suffered with a number of muscular issues during his time at the club, and he missed out against Brentford on Saturday afternoon due to a minor problem.

Martinez and Varane are hugely important figures in the middle of the defence, but Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag is struggling to put them on the field together at the moment.

Jonny Evans, meanwhile, only has a deal until the end of the campaign, and at 35, the Northern Ireland international is entering the latter stages of his career.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also both facing uncertain futures, and it is not impossible to imagine both players moving on next year, so the need for a youthful centre-back is strong despite the club currently being well-stocked in that area of the field.

With that in mind, Sports Mole picks out five young centre-backs that the 20-time English champions could target.

Antonio Silva (Benfica)

Benfica will do very well to keep hold of Silva on a long-term basis considering the 19-year-old's immense potential and experience that he has already gained at a young age.

Silva made 44 appearances for Benfica last season and has again been a key player this term, featuring on nine occasions in all competitions.

The centre-back is also a five-time Portugal international, while he has made 11 appearances in the Champions League, scoring twice, proving that he can operate at that level of football.

Benfica have Silva on a deal until June 2027, but a recent report claimed that Man United were scouting him with a view to potentially making a move next year.

The youngster is already producing outstanding performances, and it would be a statement of intent if the Red Devils were able to win the race for his signature.

Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta BC)

Scalvini is another young centre-back believed to be on the wish-list of a number of major clubs, with the 19-year-old already making 65 appearances for Atalanta in all competitions.

Man United would allegedly have to pay in the region of £43m for Scalvini, which is not a high price in the current market considering the level that he is threatening to reach.

Already a six-time Italy international, the defender has been in Atalanta's first team since the 2021-22 campaign, while he has featured on nine occasions this term.

Man United signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta over the summer, and the Serie A outfit will find it difficult to keep hold of another of their excellent young talents.

Scalvini could prove to be a slightly cheaper option than Silva, and it will be fascinating to see how the two outstanding teenagers develop in the coming seasons.

Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice)

Man United were heavily linked with Todibo over the summer, with the club allegedly identifying him as their number one replacement for Maguire, but the England international ultimately remained at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils could reignite their interest in the 23-year-old next year, as it is clear that he is highly-rated by head coach Ten Hag and his coaching staff at the club.

Todibo has again been a key player for Nice this season, featuring on seven occasions in all competitions, while he has now made 110 outings for his current side in total.

Nice are in a strong position when it comes to the Frenchman's future, as he has another four years left to run on his deal, but the Ligue 1 outfit would struggle to turn down a sizeable bid.

Todibo failed to make his mark at Barcelona earlier in his career but could potentially be given the chance to move to another major European side in the not too distant future.

Ousmane Diomande (Sporting Lisbon)

Diomande's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the 19-year-old being linked with both Arsenal and Manchester City of late.

The centre-back's agent recently said that his client "is extremely happy" at Sporting, but it is difficult to imagine him remaining with the club on a long-term basis.

Diomande has been in strong form for his Portuguese club this season, scoring twice and providing one assist in 10 appearances in all competitions.

The Ivory Coast international made a strong impression on loan at Portuguese club Mafra from FC Midtjylland in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign before making the move to the Green and Whites.

Diomande has relatively quickly become one of the most in-demand young defenders in Europe, and it would not be a surprise to see Man United join the race for his signature.

Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen)

Liverpool are currently being heavily linked with Hincapie, with the defender's agent revealing that Liverpool are keen to sign his client during the January transfer window.

Manuel Sierra, who represents Hincapie, has said that the price is around £43m, with Hincapie having a contract at Leverkusen until the summer of 2027.

Man United would have to move quickly if they wanted to sign the Ecuador international, as it seems certain that he will be on the move at some stage in 2024.

The 21-year-old has made 81 appearances for his current side in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering two assists in the process.

Hincapie has played 60 times in the Bundesliga, while he also has gained Champions League and Europa League experience at Leverkusen, so he could be the ideal signing considering his asking price, which is extremely respectable in the current market.