Manchester United are preparing a £35m move for Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton.
The Germany international has emerged as a target as Michael Carrick looks to add steel to his backline, with the head coach reportedly endorsing the pursuit personally.
The interest, first reported by The Mirror and Dortmund paper Ruhr Nachrichten, is rooted in injury concerns.
Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt both endured fitness-hit campaigns last season, and United harbour doubts over their long-term durability.
Manchester United line up £35m bid for Waldemar Anton
Anton fits the profile Carrick wants. The 29-year-old is an imposing, no-nonsense centre-back who can also cover right-back.
He is regarded as a quiet leader in Dortmund’s dressing room. He made 32 Bundesliga appearances and nine in the Champions League last term.
There are reasons for caution, though. United already field five senior centre-backs, including Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
Several reports suggest a deal only makes sense if one of that group departs first. His age sits awkwardly with the club’s policy, too.
INEOS have largely targeted players aged 26 or under, making the 29-year-old an unusual choice. His leadership and Premier League readiness are seen as justification.
Dortmund will not make it easy. Anton is contracted until 2028 and is not pushing to leave, handing the German club a strong negotiating position.
A £35m fee would, however, represent a healthy profit on the £18m they paid Stuttgart in 2024. Anton may not be the only Dortmund player United chase.
Felix Nmecha, the former Manchester City academy graduate, is also admired, with a fee of around £52m mooted. Liverpool are credited with interest in the midfielder as well.
Any move for either is unlikely before the World Cup concludes. Anton is in action at the tournament, where strong displays could push his price higher still.
