Manchester United have been constantly linked with moves for central defenders in the recent past as the long-term futures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic remain in doubt, and the latest to find himself on United's radar is Martin Caceres of Juventus.
Caceres is a versatile defender, who can also slot in at fullback if necessary, and has already earned 42 appearances for Uruguay.
United have been heavily linked with Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay, with Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly plotting a summer move, while Barcelona SC defender Frickson Erazo was the latest name to be mentioned.
Caceres, a former Barcelona player, will be a pretty good addition to the United squad, but it remains to be seen whether Juventus will be ready to let go of the 25-year-old, who only signed for them on a permanent basis last summer.
United were linked with the defender last year as well, and whether the latest round of reports carries any substance or not will be found out for certain once the transfer window opens after this season.
Meanwhile, Ferguson has reiterated his desire to keep Nani at Old Trafford, saying it is entirely up to the Portuguese to decide where his future lies.
Nani has been the subject of constant speculation right from last summer, when it became clear that he had failed to come to an agreement over a new contract; the 26-year-old's current deal expires in 2014.
Zenit St. Petersburg came close to sealing the midfielder's signing, but failed to agree personal terms, while Nani has also been linked with a move to Porto as a makeweight for James Rodriguez.
Ferguson, though, believes Nani's future lies with Manchester United. "I would definitely prefer to keep him," Ferguson said.
"He is one of the best match winners in the game -- and I am including the whole of Europe.
"He has scored the most incredible goals. The boy has a talent for winning matches."
That match-winning talent was evident when the Portuguese came off the bench to inspire United to a 2-1 victory in the F.A. Cup fifth round against Reading.
Ferguson revealed talks were ongoing over a new contract, but admitted everything was dependant on Nani's desire to stay with his current club.
"We have been speaking to Nani's agent for quite a few weeks now but it is entirely up to the boy himself." Ferguson added.
"I would prefer to keep him until the end of his contract. He wants guaranteed first-team football.
"Performances like the other night can guarantee that. We are trying our best because he is such a match-winner."
