Transfer Talk: Pavard and Todibo on United's cente-back shortlist

Manchester United are on the lookout for a new centre-back. 

The Red Devils begin their Premier League campaign against Wolves at Old Trafford tonight but look short of defensive depth with Harry Maguire set to leave for West Ham.

Their current options include Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof — as well as Jonny Evans on a short-term contract. 

We take a look at the potential candidates as the transfer window enters its final weeks.

Reinforcement needed

Eric Bailly also appears to be on his way out of United and when Varane and Martinez picked up injuries last season, Erik ten Hag was forced to use Luke Shaw as a stand-in central defender. 

Ten Hag will be fully aware of the need to shore things up at the back — his team conceded 43 times in the Premier League last season but posted an expected goals against tally of 51.18, meaning it could have been much worse. 

Bringing in the right centre-back could help prevent repeats of the humbling defeats at Brentford, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Big Ben

United have been linked with Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard, who can play as a right-back or centre-back. 

The France international is in the final 12 months of his contract with the Bundesliga champions and could add quality at Old Trafford. 

Crucially, Pavard is excellent in possession, ranking third in the Bundesliga last season for completed passes per 90 (74.24) with an accuracy of 89.87%. 

The 27-year-old's ability to play out from the back will appeal to Ten Hag and the lack of a long-term deal will help with the financial aspect of a potential deal.

You're the Jean that I want

United could also look to bring in a more physically imposing defender. 

Former Barcelona cente-back Jean-Clair Todibo is a rumoured target after a strong season in the French top flight with Nice. 

The 23-year-old ranked fourth in Ligue 1 for possessions won in the defensive third per 90 last term (5.49) and is equally adept with the ball at his feet, completing 60.47 passes per 90 with an accuracy of 88.89%. 

Former Nice midfielder Aaron Ramsey hailed his old team-mate's potential. 

He said: "Jean-Clair is a very interesting character. He's very confident and he's a great guy around the dressing room and he's a very, very talented player who can go all the way to the top."

Wildcard option

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba is another potential option for United. 

The Burkina Faso international, 24, ranked second in the Bundesliga last season for possessions won in the defensive third per 90 (5.39) and sixth in the division for accurate forward passes per 90 (19.74). 

Tapsoba is a wanted man, with Tottenham and Newcastle also rumoured to be interested.

Opening day

United are unlikely to solve their defensive problems before they face Wolves. 

The Dutchman revealed Tyrell Malacia is out for "some time", so Shaw is expected to play at left-back with Varane and Martinez at centre-back in front of new goalkeeper Andre Onana. 

For now, the defence could take on a familiar look — but a new addition in that area looks like the next step in Ten Hag's plan.