Manchester United are in talks over the signings of Fabinho from Monaco, Nicolas Otamendi of Valencia and Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin, and all three deals could possibly be completed over the next few days.
Louis Van Gaal wants to sign a right-back with right-winger Antonio Valencia playing in that position for much of last season.
The likes of Nathaniel Clyne and Seamus Coleman have been linked with moves to Old Trafford, but nothing has materialised, and another key target in Dani Alves signed a new contract with Barcelona.
As a result, Van Gaal has turned his attentions to Monaco's young right-back Fabinho, with the club reportedly putting in a £10 million bid. However, according to the Daily Mail, Manchester United will have to double the offer to £20 million if they want to tempt Monaco to sell the 21-year-old Brazilian.
The second defender who could be on his way to Old Trafford is Nicolas Otamendi, with Van Gaal making the signing of the Argentine one of his priorities. After a move for Mats Hummels seemingly grew cold, Manchester United have turned their attentions to Otamendi, who has a €50million (around £35million) release clause in his Valencia contract.
Otamendi is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League and Manchester United, but Valencia will sell only if the release clause amount is met.
Manchester United, though, are reluctant to pay such a big amount for the 27-year-old, leaving the deal in a "what to do now" situation. According to Super Deporte, Otamendi's agent Eugenio Lopez is willing to use the help of super-agent Jorge Mendes to try and push a deal through for a lesser amount.
If that is possible, then Manchester United should complete a move quickly enough.
Another player who would considerably strengthen Manchester United, if he does sign this summer, is Morgan Schneiderlin. The Southampton midfielder has made it clear he wants to play for a club in the Champions League, preferably one in England, with United and Arsenal the frontrunners for the France midfielder's signature.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly pulled out of a deal for Schneiderlin, owing to Southampton's transfer demands, which are in the region of £25 million, and the emergence of Francis Coquelin.
That should not be a problem for Manchester United, however, and Van Gaal could have his man soon, with the Frenchman, no doubt, adding the quality that the club sorely lacked in central midfield, especially when Michael Carrick was out injured.
