Manchester United are eyeing a move for a World Cup star, but face competition from Barcelona and several Premier League sides.
Manchester United's first-team players are set to return for pre-season training on Thursday 9 July, although some stars will remain out of action until they have had a break after they complete their World Cup campaign.
The first match of pre-season is against Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland, on Saturday, 18 July.
Michael Carrick will be looking to test some of his players ahead of next season, but looks set to be without new signings.
Éderson and Andrey Santos could move to United in time for the first match of pre-season, but the former's World Cup campaign with Brazil could see him miss the opening match.
Fans will be hoping that United can agree another transfer before the beginning of pre-season, especially after United have been linked to an 18-year-old World Cup star.
United scouts follow Herrington
Lucas Herrington is an Australian centre-back who missed the penalty to send his side out of the World Cup in the defeat to Egypt. But he is a very talented prospect.
The 18-year-old plays his club football for Colorado Rapids, having made the move to the United States in January for less than £1 million.
Now, TeamTALK have reported that Herrington is gathering much interest after his World Cup performances. Barcelona seem to be leading the race, but they face competition from Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton, Liverpool and Newcastle United. Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to have held discussions regarding Herrington.
Scouts from Manchester United have followed Herrington closely, but they have been accompanied by scouts from other Premier League sides.
Colorado are open to selling Herrington for the right price, but would also welcome a 12-month loan deal which would see the Australia international remain with Rapids for another year.
Do Manchester United need another young defender?
Manchester United already have five senior centre-backs at Old Trafford - two of whom are Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro. They are both younger than 21 years old.
In the academy, United also have Daniel Armer and Albert Mills, who have impressed for Darren Fletcher's Under-18s side. Godwill Kukonki was another option in central defence, but his future remains uncertain, having not yet signed a professional contract.
Heaven and Yoro are already good enough to be regulars in the Premier League, and Herrington would want to be playing senior football if he made the move to Old Trafford, especially after his impressive World Cup campaign.
United have not been linked to many central defenders this summer, so a young centre-back would make more sense than an experienced one, but it may not be the right time to focus on young defenders.
Michael Carrick's side should keep their focus on the midfield rebuild until three new players are signed, while a left-back and a left-winger also could be under consideration. Some reports have said United could look at a backup centre-forward, too.
