Manchester United boss has drawn up a three-man shortlist to address the club’s problems at centre-back.
United have conceded 11 times in seven matches so far this term, while put four past them in the .
Lisandro Martinez is set for another three-month spell on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his return from a foot injury.
Raphael Varane has already spent a month on the sidelines with an injury, and his injury record means he cannot be relied on.
Harry Maguire came close to leaving the club in the summer but rejected a move to West Ham, while Jonny Evans has been signed on a short-term deal.
Ten Hag had wanted to sign Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich but Maguire’s refusal to join West Ham saw the Frenchman move to Inter Milan.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ten Hag wants to rectify that next summer and is already working on making the ‘important’ acquisition.
Top of his list if Nice ace Jean-Clair Todibo. The defender admitted last month that he had interest from United, but he was unsure on a move as he wanted assurances over playing time.
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba is another target, while Benfica’s Antonio Silva has emerged on the list.
Silva has attracted attention from Europe’s elite for his performances with Benfica, earning him comparisons with Ruben Dias.
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