Man Utd identify dominant Milan centre-back to replace Lisandro Martinez – report

Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close watch on AC Milan central defender Koni De Winter to potentially replace Lisandro Martinez in the upcoming January transfer window.

Michael Carrick’s struggling side have conceded 26 goals in 14 games in all competitions this season, ahead of Sunday’s Premier League visit of Aston Villa to Old Trafford.

And with Martinez, fresh off his criticism of the club’s recruitment team in October and also struggling for form, primed for an exit in 2027, Man Utd have eyes on potential replacements.

One such option is reported to be Milan star De Winter, with several Premier League clubs rumoured to be tracking the impressive Belgium international, who has won eight caps for his country.

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The 24-year-old central defender has established himself as an important member of Ruben Amorim’s backline at the San Siro since arriving from Genoa, with United joining the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in monitoring his progress, as per CaughtOffside.

De Winter’s versatility makes him an attractive target for top clubs, having also filled in at right-back and as a holding midfielder throughout his career to date.

However, he is now firmly established at centre-back in Milan and has made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A giants this season.

Man Utd target made for the Premier League

With his 6ft 3in frame, De Winter is being tipped to develop into a strong Premier League defender, if given the opportunity to move to England.

United, though, will face strong competition if Milan decide to cash in on a player who is valued at €25million (£21.4m) on Transfermarkt.

As well as Liverpool and Chelsea, it’s also claimed that Newcastle United, Tottenham, Leeds United and Brentford have sent scouts to watch the Serie A star.

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The report does add, however, that De Winter is not actively looking to leave Milan at this stage, having only signed in 2025, with the defender remaining a key part of their plans moving forward.

Despite that, United are expected to keep monitoring his progress in the lead-up to the January window opening, especially if it looks increasingly likely that Martinez is jettisoned from the club.