Rumour: Manchester United eye AC Milan defender Mattia de Sciglio

Mattia De Sciglio (R)

Manchester United have earmarked AC Milan defender Mattia De Sciglio as a potential summer transfer target as manager David Moyes looks to re-build his below par defensive line, reports the Express.

The Red Devils have confirmed that club captain Nemanja Vidic will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season and join Serie A giants Internazionale, in a move that will leave a huge hole to fill in United’s defence.

As a result Moyes’ pursuit of a new central defender is set to take on a new precedent and he will have to bring in a player of the highest calibre to replace the Serbian.

Juventus youngster Angelo Ogbonna was initially believed to be the Scot’s first choice but he has now turned his attention to De Sciglio, who is a graduate of Milan’s famous youth academy.

United are set to hand Moyes a significant transfer budget, especially if they fail to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, so he will have the financial muscle to prise the 21-year-old away from the Serie A giants but also faces competition from Real Madrid, who have been impressed with the youngster.

Vidic’s decision to leave United is a damning verdict on the long term project Moyes has been charged with undertaking and could spark a flurry of departures, with Rio Ferdinand’s future also uncertain.

Mattia De Sciglio has made 11 appearances for AC Milan this season and has a passing accuracy of 83%.

De Sciglio’s passing graph