Manchester United have now entered pole position in the race to sign Elche centre-back David Affengruber this summer, but they will have to fend off interest from Atletico Madrid.

The storm has been calmed by Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, but there's still plenty of work to do. INEOS will have to splash the cash once again this summer if they want to see further progress as their former midfielder prepares to take permanent charge.

The big focus will be on adding midfield reinforcements, with the likes of Elliot Anderson threatening to steal the headlines, and improving the current backline.

It's not always the obvious names that arrive, either. INEOS will want to be smart with their recruitment and that's why they're squaring off against Atletico Madrid in the market.

As reported by Tutto Juve in Italy, Man United are now in pole position to sign Affengruber from Elche this summer. The defender has attracted the attention of Juventus, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, but it is the Red Devils who are most interested.

Elche are willing to do a deal at just €30 (£26m), so the central defender represents a bargain option for Man United as they look to save funds for big signings in the centre of the park.

It speaks volumes about Affengruber's ability that some of Europe's biggest clubs are jostling for his signature, but it should come as little surprise. The 25-year-old is one game away from survival with Elche, before bigger things potentially await at Old Trafford.

To go from a relegation battle in La Liga to Champions League football with one of England's biggest clubs would certainly be an impressive step.

"Amazing" Affengruber could replace Harry Maguire

Gone are the days that Man United fans would be grateful for Harry Maguire's exit. The experienced defender has endured a roller-coaster journey at Old Trafford, but is very much an important player in that dressing room these days. So much so, that he'll eventually receive the same warm send off as Casemiro.

That farewell isn't too far away, either. Maguire is 33 years old and could be welcoming his own replacement in the form of Affengruber as soon as this summer.

Dubbed "amazing" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it's easy to see why Man United are interested in Affengruber. The Elche man is an excellent defender, who has no problem with stepping onto the front-foot. He is built for the aggression that Carrick's side have shown in recent months.

It wouldn't be absurd to suggest that he'd be an upgrade on Maguire and not just a replacement this summer.

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