Manchester United have allegedly identified eight centre-backs as possible new signings ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Since the turn of the year, it has been suggested that Jose Mourinho wants to strengthen in the area in a bid to put together a stronger title challenge next season.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United are assessing targets who are between the ages of 23 and 29, have experience of at least one of European football's top four leagues and who is capable both on the ground and in the air.

However, the report suggests some targets are more realistic than others, with Raphael Varane, Jose Gimenez, Alessio Romagnoli and Milan Skriniar all expected to remain with their current clubs.

United are also allegedly unprepared to meet Tottenham Hotspur's current valuation of Toby Alderweireld, and Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly is already on his summer break after the World Cup.

The other two names mentioned are Jerome Boateng and Caglar Soyuncu, who represent Bayern Munich and Freiburg respectively.