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A left-field name has emerged in Manchester United's summer rebuild wish list.
Michael Carrick is plotting reinforcements as he prepares to be installed as permanent manager after securing the club's return to the Champions League for next season.
Manchester United's latest summer target emerges
Elche defender David Affengruber has emerged as one of the Red Devils' options in the summer transfer market after rising to prominence for the mid-table La Liga side.
The newly-capped Austria international's displays for Eder Sarabia's side have not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford, where he is already said to be regularly monitored.
According to Estadio Deportivo, United have joined a host of Spanish clubs including Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Sevilla and Villarreal in the current hunt for Affengruber.
The 27-year-old's departure from the Estadio Martínez Valero this summer appears increasingly likely with just 12 months remaining on his existing contract with Elche.
But it is claimed that Affengruber is more likely to be drawn to clubs competing for the Champions League, which would currently put United and Atlético in pole positions.
A near ever-present for Los Franjiverdes, the right-footed centre-back's release clause could be as low as €20 million due to a clause which takes effect from 1 July.
However, sources close to Affengruber indicate that his preference would be to remain in La Liga, where he has spent the last two seasons since moving from Sturm Graz.
United have struggled for options at the heart of defence with Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt laid low by injury while Leny Yoro only recently returned to action.
Carrick chose to partner Ayden Heaven with Harry Maguire at centre-back for a hat-trick of Premier League victories against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
The latter result mathematically secured United's Champions League qualification.
