Manchester United are set to turn their attention to Barcelona’s Yerry Mina, having failed to push forward with deals for Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire.

United have been in talks with Tottenham for Alderweireld for months, without success – whilst they spoke with Leicester following his World Cup exploits, but received no encouragement from Leicester.

Red Devils chief Jose Mourinho wants a new central defender, and now he is ready to accept an alternative to his two prime targets and Mina has emerged as the most likely option.

Mina is set to cost around £30million – less than half the price of Alderweireld and Maguire, and he will represent a big profit for Barca who only paid Palmeiras £10million for him in January.

Barca are letting Mina move on as they don’t have room in their squad for another non EU player.

23-year-old Mina has been attracting interest from around the Premier League, and Everton were hopeful of concluding a deal but they have now turned their attention to United’s Marcos Rojo – who is one of the players who will be allowed Old Trafford this summer.

Sources close to United have confirmed talk for Mina are well underway and unless something happens with Alderweireld and Maguire, then a deal for him will progress.

Bookmakers now make United favourites to land Mina ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Mina is now 8/11 from 7/4 for Old Trafford move with Betway.

Betway’s Alan Alger said: “Harry Maguire had appeared to be Jose Mourinho’s number one defensive transfer target, but with a move now looking unlikely at 7/4, his attentions seem to have turned to Barcelona defender Yerry Mina.

“The Colombian impressed many at the World Cup scoring three times and he’s now odds-on at 8/11 to be Manchester United’s fourth summer recruit.

“Everton are thought to be in the market for a centre back and they come next in the betting at 5/4, while Wolves are 5/1 to continue their summer spending spree, as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to build a squad capable of staying in the Premier League.”