Manchester United Transfer News: Juventus Defender Linked to United Move, Tottenham Also Interested

By Jason Le Miere | February 27 2012 12:46 PM

Manchester United are interested in Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres, according to reports on Monday.

Reuters

Martin Caceres (R), here battling with Barcelona's Andres Iniesta, could be set for a move to Manchester United, according to reports

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Website Footy Bunker is suggesting that the Premier League champions will face a battle with Tottenham to secure Caceres' signature in the summer.

Caceres, 24, joined Serie A leaders Juventus on loan in January and scored two goals on his debut against Milan. The former Barcelona center back has also amassed 38 caps for Uruguay.

United may be on the look out for another defender in the summer with Rio Ferdinand looking increasing vulnerable due to age and injuries. Their first choice in that position Nemanja Vidic is currently ruled out until the end of the season.

While United have some promising youngsters vying for a position in the center of defense, neither Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, or Phil Jones have yet proved that they have can perform consistently at the top level.

United disastrously crashed out of the Champions League earlier in the season largely thanks to defensive lapses against Benfica and FC Basel. The 19-times champions also suffered a humiliating 6-1 loss at home to their fierce rivals Manchester City in October.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have been looking to add a center back to their squad for some time. Although boss Harry Redknapp recruited former Blackburn defender Ryan Nelson on a free transfer in January, that would appear to be a short-term option.

Though Caceres spent three years on the books of Spanish giants Barcelona, he spent much of that time out on loan. A season at Juventus, plus another one spent at Sevilla led to a permanent move to the south of Spain in 2011. Thus far, his career has been blighted by injuries, which have stopped him from establishing himself at a leading club.

His potential is there, though, and both United and Tottenham will fancy that he could be a useful addition to their squads. The two English sides could face strong competition from Juventus for Caceres' signing, with the Turin club reported to have an option to make the South American's move permanent for €10 million, according to ESPN.