Manchester United are reportedly competing with Barcelona to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old's agent, Pini Zahavi, said in a recent interview that he will 'join a big club' at the end of the season, suggesting he's already decided not to extend his stay with Leverkusen.

Tah played a big role in Leverkusen's 2023/24 Bundesliga-winning campaign and a number of sides have already registered an interest in signing him.

He will be allowed to officially open pre-contract talks with non-German clubs from January 1st. According to Fichajes, Man Utd and Barcelona have already 'made contact' with Tah's entourage to gauge his interest in a move.

The two clubs reportedly view Tah as a 'solution to their respective defensive needs.' For the Red Devils, the team is looking to 'reinforce a backline that has been, at times, vulnerable.'

With the futures of several defenders still up in the air, Tah presents himself as a solid option to bring stability and quality to the centre of defence.

As for Barcelona, they are keen to sign an 'experienced centre-back who can compete at the highest level and provide leadership. Amid their financial challenges, snapping up Tah on a free transfer would be a fantastic bit of business for them.

Man Utd brought in two new centre-backs over the summer in the form of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, but sources have revealed that Sporting director Dan Ashworth is looking for reinforcements in that area.

That is, in part, due to the fact that Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans will all be out of contract next summer and as yet, there has been no indication that any of them will be offered an extension.